Dear Editor,
Please refer to DS. Gill’s “The signal from Bidar” in your 12/30 issue. Main body of Gill’s report, on the happenings in Bidar, is impressive. However, later part of the article seems to be written by a current or retired Indian Government employee! One finds the Hindu subliminal messages: Danger of “balkanization of India,” “vital role of Punjab as a border state,” and obligation of Sikhs for
“intercommunity relations.” “Bidar” seems to be justified as the doing of “politicians maneuvering for elections.” Politicians are political animals; They act out their own prejudices and the wishes of their supporters. Hindu majority sees the existence of minorities because of its generosity which can be withdrawn at the slightest pretext. Sikhs can avoid/check future “Bidars” only if they recognize, admit, and establish and defend their separate identity.
Sukhbir Singh
Article extracted from this publication >> January 27, 1989
