JALANDHAR: Harkishan Singh Surjit politburo member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has urged the federal government to rethink about its political dialogue with Simranjit Singh Mann president Akali Dal (Mann) in view of his offering Sikh support to the United States in the Gulf war.
Talking to newsmen here Saturday the CPI (M) leader said such support of Mann to imperialists has exposed the Khalistani nexus with the secessionists in Punjab.
He urged the Akalis to clarify their stand on Mann’s letter to the U.S. ambassador in India extending support to the United States.
Surjit opposed any talks with the militants saying it would not yield the desired result as the militants stood firm by their demand. As none of the militant outfits had yet responded to the government’s invitation for talks it is therefore necessary for the Chandra Shekhar government to review its Punjab policy and come to terms with the ground realities he said.
He disagreed with a questioner that the Punjab government had imposed censorship on the media in the state Sujit fully supported the government stand not to allow publication of seditious material.
He unfolded a four-pronged strategy for peace in the state— government to show its authority pursue the economic package vigorously face the militants challenge boldly and then declare a political initiative unilaterally. He was sure the Punjabis would respond. This may lead to elections in Punjab within two months. He said.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 15, 1991
