Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab has been postponed indefinitely reportedly on the request of Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: Mr. Barnala has asked for the postponement on the plea of the deteriorating law and order situation in the State. He said that he was more concerned with controlling law and order than getting the Accord implemented.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Could Mr. Barnala tell why Sikhs had launched the Dharam Yudh Morcha? Was it to control law and order in the State or to get the Anandpur Sahib resolution implemented? Do you think Barnala’s approach to Punjab problem is any different from that of late Indira Gandhi?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi has ruled out any dialogue with the dissident Akali leaders. He has also said that Chandigarh can be transferred to Punjab only ‘when Hindi speaking areas of Punjab are transferred to Haryana.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: Mr, Rajiv says that he would not hold talks with those who attend the Bhog ceremonies of the Sikh youths killed in police encounters. Such people were actually fanning violence in the state, he added.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: How is it Rajiv not only initiated talks with Mizoram’s so called separatist leader, Mr. Laldenga, but also accepted him as the Deputy Chief Minister of Mizoram? Why is he reluctant to give Sikh representatives the same importance? Is it because he considers Sikhs as different from rest of the Indians?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Surjit Singh Barmala has reportedly said, “S, Simranjit Singh Mann has been in the jail for more than two years now. If no case is made out against him, he is entitled to release”.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: But it was Barnala who collaborated with the Congress (I) to defeat Sardar Mann in the Rajya Sabba elections.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: What makes him feel concerned with Sardar Mann’s release now? What has he to say about the hundreds of Sikhs rotting in jails both in Punjab and out-side Punjab?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 25, 1986
