Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Punjab Governor, Mr. Arjain Singh, has been shifted to Delhi and appointed Minister for Commerce by Rajiv Gandhi.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: He has been replaced by Mr. Shankar Dayal Sharma who is currently Governor of Tamil Nadu. Mr. Sharma’s daughter and son-in-law, Mr. Lalit Maken, were murdered in cold blood in Delhi sometime back.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Don’t you think that Mr. Arjan Singh’s removal from Punjab even after playing important role in RajivLongowal accord is to provide him an opportunity to wriggle out his unwritten commitments? Or is it that Mr. Shankar Dayal is being sent to “teach Sikhs yet another lesson” as he reportedly holds Sikh militants responsible for the murder of his daughter and son-in-law?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
* * * *
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Pakistan President is paying one day visit to India on December 16.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: It was on December 16, 1971 that Pakistan Army surrendered to Indian army in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Could you tell us who selected this date? Was it selected by the Indian government to remind Zia about the power of India? Or is it that Zia is making yet another surrender to appease India?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
* * * *
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Punjab Chief Minister has reportedly threatened to recommend President’s rule in Punjab if Abohar and Fazilka are transferred to Haryana.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: But to become the Chief Minister, he violated his
solemn oath of not compromising his stand on Anandpur Sahib resolution,
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Don’t you think his threat is not for the Prime Minister but for the disillusioned and disgruntled Akali M.L.A.S who are planning to replace him?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 22, 1985
