Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Naxalites in Punjab have formed a new organization called Punjab Liberation Force and has decided to launch an armed struggle for the freedom of Punjab.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: They have accused the Central government of communalizing politics, patronizing capitalists and plundering Punjab resources.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Don’t you think creation of organizations like Punjab Liberation Force is unnecessary in the Cori text of Sikh struggle for Khalistan? Would it not make easier for the security forces to kill Sikh youths by branding them as Naxalites?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, all party convention at Chandigarh has ° squarely blamed the Central government for complicating the problem and has suggested some remedial measures to save the deteriorating situation.
Ambassador: That’s right. Jouranlist: The convention recommended political solution to the outstanding issues but at the same time demanded strong-arm measures against the Sikh youths.
Ambassador; Very correct.
Journalist: Don’t you think the demand for strong-arm measures is rather naive as it only endorses what the government is doing in Punjab? Can there be any solution so long Sikh youth and security forces are targeting each other?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, India has invited Pakistan for talks to end the situation created by the massive deployment of troops by both countries all along the Punjab and Rajasthan border. Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: Pakistan Foreign Affairs Secretary, Mr. Abdus Sattar, is going to Delhi to discuss ways and means to keep peace between the two countries.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Do you think India and Pakistan are in a position to wage a full scale war? Are they not deliberately creating war hysteria to divert the attention of their people from the urgent domestic problems that both are currently facing?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 30, 1987
