Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, the trouble in Gujarat started when the state government further increased the quota of reservation for scheduled castes.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: Caste-Hindus directed their anger against the poor and downtrodden untouchables rather than fighting with the government.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: How is it that the confrontation between caste-Hindus and “untouchables” suddenly changed into Hindu-Muslim riots? Does it show that the ruling caste-Hindus consider all minorities as their slaves?
Ambassador: Now in national interest to disclose.
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Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, the increasing incidence of hijackings and blasting of Aircrafts has made the air journey very unsafe and risky.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: The unfortunate crash of Air India’s 747 Jumbo Jet off the coast of Ireland in which 329 passengers perished is history’s third worst air disaster.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: How is it that the government of India instantly blamed the Sikhs for the sabatoge even though nearly 100 Sikhs aboard the Jet also perished? Is it not strange that a supposedly responsible government should rely on a phony call, evidently made by a mischievous Hindu, and brand an entire community as terrorists? Will your government never stop its false propaganda against Sikhs?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
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Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, foreign policy experts in the western countries have expressed hope at the perceptible shift in India’s approach to international issues.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: They feel that by training and temperament Rajiv is closer to west than to the Soviets.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Does it mean that India is likely to shift its loyalty from the socialist to the capitalist World? Do you think Soviets would easily permit their ally to slip out of their control?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 28, 1985
