Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, before the notorious ‘operation Blue star,’ government used to blame the religious leader, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale for every act of violence in Punjab.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: But even after continuous occupation of Punjab for more than ten months, rigorous witch-hunting of rural areas and ransacking of holy Gurdwaras, army has failed to prevent or crush violence.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Would it not be wise to honestly admit that Sant Bhindranwale had no hand in innocent killings and at no stage Sikh leaders encouraged violence? Whom would the government blame now that Sant Bhindranwale is not there in the Golden Temple?
Ambassador: Not in National Interest to Disclose.
+ + +
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Government had withdrawn army from the Golden Temple and handed over the keys to the Sikh priests in an effort to appear reasonable.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: But the Temple continues to be surrounded by the army units and there is a strict round the clock vigil all around it. Even devout pilgrims are permitted to offer prayers only after subjecting them to a thorough search.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Why did, then, the paramilitary forces again invade the Golden Temple on April 20, 1985 and ransack the buildings? Does it mean that the army vigil is ineffective? Or has the new attack been made to provoke the Sikhs into some kind of retaliation so that the government can justify its reign of terror and plunder?
Ambassador: Not in National Interest to Disclose.
+ + +
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, in an exhaustive write-up the daily Statesman has described the functioning of the World Sikh Organization as very sophisticated and effective in bringing the Sikh nation under one banner.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: Your government is extremely worried at the growing popularity and influence of the WSO particularly in view of U.S. Senate Committee hearing in which Indian Government’s actions were condemned.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Given the present mood of Sikhs, do you think your government can succeed in its game of Sabotage through such lackeys as Lt. Gen Aurora who was detailed to counter WSO influence abroad but had to rush back (like a counterfeit coin) from Germany when the determined and United Sikh Sangat sharply reacted to his disparaging remarks against Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale? How far is it true that your government has sanctioned one million dollars for sabotaging WSO?
Ambassador: Not in National Interest to Disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 26, 1985
