JOURNALIST: Mr. Ambassador, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi denied allegations that he was paid commission in Swiss Bank by a Swedish Arms Manufacturer selling guns to India,
AMBASSADOR: That’s Right.
JOURNALIST: He, however, dismissed with a smile the question by a reporter who wanted to know if he planned to initiate legal proceedings against Mr. V.P. Singh for charging his involvement in the scandal.
AMBASSADOR: Very Correct.
JOURNALIST: What prevents Rajiv from initiating defamation proceedings against Mr. V.P. Singh? Does he fear the resultant investigation may recoil on him?
AMBASSADOR: Not in national interest to disclose.
JOURNALIST: Mr. Ambassador, talking to reporters, the well-known political leader of Kashmir Mr. Abdul Gani Lone disclosed that twelve members of the Indian Army had defected to Pakistan.
AMBASSADOR: That’s Right.
JOURNALIST: But according to Indian government sources only five soldiers have defected to Pakistan.
AMBASSADOR: Very Correct.
JOURNALIST: Don’t you think the soldiers have started defecting in protest against the policy of the Hindu rulers who are increasingly using the army to liquidate the religious minorities?
AMBASSADOR: Not in national interest to disclose.
JOURNALIST: Mr. Ambassador, the Akal Takht Chief, Prof. Darshan Singh Ragi has summoned Surjit Singh Barnala to appear before him on December 5 and told him to dissolve his Akali Dal and resign from its President ship before coming to the Akal Takht.
AMBASSADOR: That’s right.
JOURNALIST: Asked to comment, Mr. Barnala said he would convene a meeting of his party executive and abide by its decision.
AMBASSADOR: Very Correct.
JOURNALIST: Don’t you think the move to unite different Akali groups has been initiated at the instance of the Indian government which is keen to strengthen the hands of the Akalis to weaken the militant movement?
AMBASSADOR: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 18, 1988
