Journalist: Mr. Ambassador Rajiv Gandhi has conveyed his dis pleasure over the three member cabinet Committee that Barnala formed to report on the killing of 1% Sikh young men by the B.S.F.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: He strongly objected to Barnalas attempt to find out the truth and made it clear that he won’t allow interference in the work of Central agencies operating in Punjab. As a result Barnala and his ministers are trying to wriggle out of the situation and have started justifying the action of B.S.F in killing Sikhs.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Does it not prove that Rajiv would tolerate Barnala only 50 long as Barnala serves as a tool for him to eliminate Sikh youth? How long can Barnala continue with his policy of pleasing Rajiv and befooling the Sikh masses?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Bhai Shiminder Singh leader of the Badal Akali Dal in the Parliament has claimed that out of seven original Akali members of the Parliament only Ramoowalia is left with Barnala Dal.
Journalist: In Punjab legislature Barnala enjoys the support of only his cabinet colleagues and such M.I.A.s as have been bribed with chairmanship of a State Corporations or a Board.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Do you think Barnalas minority government can claim to be a truly representative government? Don’t you think Barnalas position is no better than the Afghan puppets of Russia who are engaged in killing their own countrymen?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador Badal and Tohra have been released by a Delhi Judge after nearly one month’s detention.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: After his release Badal has reportedly made a statement offering to serve in the second line if some Sikh Student Federation leader wants to lead a well-coordinated struggle for Sikh rights
Ambassador: Very correct
Journalist: How can Badals offer be considered sincere when all efforts are being made by him and his party men to steal the limelight from the Federation and Damdami Taksal? Should he not first dispel doubts about his being Rajiv’s candidate in waiting for Chief Minister Ship in the event of Barnalas accidental or engineered departure?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 19, 1986
