Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Akali Dal had Jaunched its Morcha first at Kapoori against the constriction of Sutleg Yamuna Link Canal which would take Punjab waters to Haryana.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: Subsequently the Morcha was shifted to the Golden Temple, Amritsar and made part of the struggle launched from there by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The fulfillment of all the demands included in the Anandpur Sahib Resolution was set as the irreconcilable objective of the Dharam Yudh.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: How is it that the RajivLongowal agreement is silent about some of the important demands contained in the Anandpur Sahib Resolution? What did Rajiv offer to the Akalis in return for their agreement for the construction of SYL Canal?
Ambassador: Not in National interest to disclose.
* * *
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Elections in Punjab have given an unprecedented mandate in favor of the Akali Dal.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: The new Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Surjeet Singh Barnala is reportedly depending upon Rajiv for running the administrations of the state and is taking instructions from him for practically every activity of his government.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: In such a situation, how would you define the Punjab government? Is it a puppet government or a Congress government wearing the mask of the Akali Dal?
Ambassador: Not in National interest to disclose.
* * *
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Rajiv has claimed that elections went off peacefully and the people have rejected the cult of violence. Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: There are also reports that Barnala government has accelerated the campaign of arresting Sikh young men in order to fulfill his promise of eliminating Sikh opposition.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: How is it that even after peaceful elections and restoration of ‘popular’ rule, Army is not being taken out of Punjab? And what makes Barnala s0 allergic to the Sikh youth?
Ambassador: Not in National interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 11, 1985
