CHANDIGARH: Sikh political activists have asked those who have projected themselves as candidates for the abortive poll in June 1991 to keep off the election for face danger to the security of their close relations, according to information available to the Indian police here.
Almost all Sikh militant groups are boycotting the forthcoming election in Punjab. They are opposed to the election, where more than half a million Indian security forces have been stationed in the state; Militants reportedly contacted most of the old candidates and told them of their plan.
The threat has put in jeopardy the police arrangements to provide security cover to all candidates. While it may be easier to extend the cover to the candidates, It may not be so for their close relations because the authorities feel that the new threat will require much more force than anticipated so far.
Indian police authorities also revealed that in most Punjab village’s the militants have let it be known that they would hit out at the “first voter.” This has led to sense of fear among the supporters of the contesting parties because the Sikh militants have all along meant business and no voter wants to be first to cast his vote.
Contradictory statements purported to have been issued on behalf of Dr.Sohan Singh of the Panthic committee, but most Sikh Groups are committed to the boycott. A renewed threat by Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal that the committee associated with him would decide about the contest after the Indian government announced its plans formally on Jan.25, added a new dimension to the controversy.
According to Bhai Ripudaman Singh, Baba Manochahal who told a secret meeting of militants at Goindwal Saheb that while Sikhs had no faith in the Indian constitution and they are determined to follow Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindran wales political line, the field could not be left open to such traitors as Barnala, Amarinder and others to mislead the Sikhs. Baba Manochahal also lashed out at other Akalis like Parkash Singh Badal and Gurcharan Singh Tohra and. asked them what role had been played by them to promote the Sikh struggle or to give relief to the families of militants. A final decision about participating in the election would be taken by the Panthic committee.
Meanwhile, Akali Dal led by Badal has intensified its campaign against the poll. Sources close to Badal state that the party will have to exert as much as it does for contesting the election to make the boycott a success. However, as not much is is evidence as far the Mann Akalil Dalis concord?
Differences have cropped up among seven leaders of Akali Dal (Longowal) on whether to contest the election as also on who should be leader of the party. At least two leaders, Kabal Singh and Natha Singh Dalam, are not in favour of contesting the election. On the other hand, Amarinder Singh, Kanwaljit Singh and Ravi Inder Singh are firmly in favour of contesting the poll. The two remaining members, Susjit Singh Barnala and his aide Baldev Singh Mann, are said to be undecided. It is believed that they too will finally opt for the election but they are putting pressure on Amarinder: Singh to continue accepting Barnala as party’s leader.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 31, 1992
