DEHLON: The Akali Dal President, Mr. Simranjit Singh Mann, called upon the President to recall the Punjab Governor, Mr. Virendra Verma as he had “lost the confidence” of the people of Punjab.
Addressing a congregation here in connection with his protest march, Mr. Mann criticized the Governor for backing out on his apology for Operation Blue star. It was strange that the Governor had now stated that he had apologised in his personal capacity.
Mr. Mann said leaders from the Hind belt had lost their credibility with Sikhs as they had not fulfilled even one promise made to the Sikh community since 1929.
He criticized Mr. VP Singh for some of his assertions at the Governor’s conference and alleged that the government had hatched a conspiracy to eliminate 2,000 Sikh youths in Punjab.
He invited External Affairs Minister Inder Kumar Gujral to tour border villages to see for himself if there was any infiltration from across the international border.
Mr. Mann said unless the repressive machinery was dismantled in Punjab, there could be no peace.
Later talking to newsmen, Mr. Mann alleged that the “core group” formed by the Centre would consist of MPs like Mr, Rajdev Singh and Mr. Atinderpal Singh and disgruntled elements from the Akali Dal (L) and the Akali Dal (B). The Tota Singh faction would not join the “core group.” The “group” would be supported by the BJP, the Shiv Sena the Congress I the CPI and the CPM he alleged.
Mr. Mann received a big response from the people in the rural areas as he addressed meetings at Alamgir, Maloudh and Dhamot.
Mr. Dhian Singh, Mand MP, Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, general secretary of the Akali Dal (Mann), Mr. Sardul Singh Barundi, Mr. Talib Singh Sandhu, Mr. Charan Singh and Mr. Tarlok Singh Dalla also addressed the meetings.
Panches and sarpanches of more than 20 villages presented Rs 33,000 to Mr. Mann at Dehlon.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 17, 1990
