CHANDIGARH: Simranjit Singh Mann for the first time since his release in Dec last year has openly criticized the spate of violence in the state. He said his party was against anyone indulging in killing, extortion and kidnaping. He asked his party workers to expose all such persons.
Mann had been ascribing the violence to vigilante groups or Congress I agents. After his release he had stated that he was not aware that the Sikh youth even possessed weapons. Mann said his party had never taken a step outside the ambit of the constitution. It had only been demanding the rightful demands of the Sikhs. He however reiterated the demand of implementing the 1973 draft of the Anandpur Sahib resolution.
He said it was unfortunate that democracy was a mockery in Punjab. He criticized the Badal group saying they had enacted a drama in the past. He recounted instances of Akali politics and said the burning of Art 25, of the Constitution on Feb 27, 1984 by the Badal group was only a drama.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 23, 1990
