Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, I understand Indian government swears by secularism.
Diplomat: That is right.
Journalist: Secular means unattached to any religion.
Diplomat: Very correct.
Journalist: Then, why inauguration of new bridges, government buildings and official functions is invariably preceded by only Hindu religious rites and mantras?
Diplomat: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, maintenance of law and order is a government responsibility.
Diplomat: That is right.
Journalist: It is through the Police department that the government ensures law and order.
Diplomat: Very correct.
Journalist: Then, why the police personnel in Delhi and other towns actively joined the congress (1) mobs in burning, looting, and killing the innocent Sikhs?
Diplomat: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Army’s chief role is to defend the country against external aggression. Diplomat: That is right.
Journalist: It is always so deployed at the borders as to effectively rebut any surprise attack by the enemy.
Diplomat: Very correct.
Journalist: Against which enemy the army has been so extensively deployed in the whole of Panjab.
Diplomat: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Indian constitution is democratic in character.
Diplomat: That is right.
Journalist: Democracy means equal rights and equal opportunities for all.
Diplomat: Very correct. ;
Journalist: Then, why is recruitment to Indian army restricted to population percentage of the states?
Diplomat: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, democracy also means freedom of press.
Diplomat: That is right.
Journalist: Freedom of press means no restrictions on reporters.
Diplomat: Very correct.
Journalist: Then, why are reporters not allowed to cover Panjab?
Diplomat: Not in national interest to disclose.
Editor
Article extracted from this publication >> DECEMBER-28-1984
