CHANDIGARH: The advisor to Governor of Punjab, Mr. J.F, Rebeiro sprang a surprise when he declared that he was extremely worried at the police repression against the Sikh masses during the last few months. He categorically admitted that the police repression was alienating the Sikh masses from the main stream of the state. Rebeiro made these remarks while talking to the newsmen at Chandigarh. Mr. Rebeiro told the newsmen that the state government had received alarming information about the police high handidness, which has caused a considerable worry in the government’s circles.
P.M. Office Involved
Rebeiro bluntly charged that the district police chiefs were directly getting orders and reporting its compliance to the prime minister’s office. He helplessly conceded that the state government has no disciplinary control over the law or order machinery in the state.
Rebeiro stated that the law and order situation in three border districts of Punjab had gone from bad to worse. He said that fifty Hindu families have migrated to safe places during the last 24 hours, he said.
Rebeiro in response to a question from a newsmen said that he was always in favor of Mr. Chaman Lal’s approach and was never in favor of strong hand policy against Sikhs to tackle the Punjab situation.
- Resigned Earlier It may be recalled that it is for the first time that a senior most person in the state government has come out openly against the repressive attitude of the police against the Sikhs. Earlier Chaman Lal IG Border Range Punjab had preceded on leave against the repression policies of the police and against the interference from the center.
The political circles are attaching a lot of importance to Rebeiro’s public statement and are keenly watching its repercussions.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 24, 1989
