JOURNALIST: Mr. Ambassador, some anti-Punjab elements have started a controversy over the setting up of a Pepsi-Cola project in Punjab.
AMBASSADOR: That’s Right.
JOURNALIST: It is being said that the project will make Punjab farmers dependent upon the Americans.
AMBASSADOR: Very Correct.
JOURNALIST: How come these elements never criticized the projects that were set up in other states in collaboration with the Soviet Union? Don’t you think these elements are allergic to the idea of industrialization in Punjab?
AMBASSADOR: Not in national interest to disclose.
JOURNALIST: Mr. Ambassador, a spokesman of the Punjab government recently described Pakistan government’s ban on the entry of 10 Sikh militants as a “mere eyewash.” AMBASSADOR: That’s right.
JOURNALIST: Now a Senior Police Officer of Jammu and Kashmir state has charged Pakistan for conspiring to create an independent Kashmir.
AMBASSADOR: Very correct.
JOURNALIST: Don’t you think India is preparing the ground for a “Chastising” strike (Naani Yaad Karvane Wali) against Pakistan to divert people’s attentions from the misrule of Rajiv Gandhi?
AMBASSADOR: Not in national interest to disclose.
JOURNALIST: Mr. Ambassador, it has been reported that mechanical failure and human error would be the main thrust of the investigation into the Indian Airlines plane crash in which 130 persons died.
AMBASSADOR: That’s right.
JOURNALIST: In view of the two crashes in a single day there is increasing skepticism about the serviceability of the Indian airlines aircrafts, they are believed to be old and overburdened.
AMBASSADOR: Very correct.
JOURNALIST: Don’t you think it is a good opportunity for Rajiv’s friends to earn kickbacks in a new deal for procuring new aircrafts for the Indian Airlines?
AMBASSADOR: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 28, 1988
