PHAGWARA, India: Two senior leaders of Punjab Janata Party, Mr. Gian Chand, General Secretary, and Mr. Harbhajan Singh, former President, have warned the government against launching any military action for the solution of the Punjab problem. Ina direct statement they ‘warmed of the serious consequences if the army was deployed ‘without taking the people of Punjab into confidence. They reacted strongly to the meeting between General K. Sunderji and Mr. Sunjit Singh Barnala alleging that it was meant to whip up war hysteria they claimed that Mr. Surjit Singh ‘was a puppet of the Centre. He no longer represented the public opinion in the State. They took the serious note of the military exercises in the state of Punjab; the mass movement of troops was a prelude to an operation. They condemned the statement of Governor, S.S. Ray and the Director General of Police, J.S. Ribeiro that warlike situation existed in Punjab, and they said that the ordinary military exercises were creating a scare in the minds of the Punjabis. This scheme was organized by the Centre to restore the confidence ‘amongst the minority communities and win elections in Hindu majority states. They reminded the government that any further delay in finding a political solution for the Punjab problem will further complicate the matter. The delay will only increase the hatred of the Punjabis against the Center and widen the rift between the Sikhs and Hindus. They accused the Congress (I) of following the divide and rule policy for gaining power. They advocated talks between the Centre and representatives of all sections of the people including those of Damdami Taksal.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 21, 1986
