NEW DELHI (PTI) The Indian Parliament on Oct. 12 approved a six month extension of federal rule in violence ridden Punjab effective from November 11 with both houses adopting a statutory resolution to this effect.
Almost the entire opposition walked out protesting against the extension saying federal rule in Punjab would not solve the problem. They blamed Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s Congress (I) party for the problems in the state.
This is the fifth time federal rule has been extended in the state. Home minister Buta Singh told Parliament “that at no cost can the unity and integrity of the country be compromised.” Buta Singh also said Sikh shrines, once a base from where the militants operated, were no longer available to them. The militants are fighting for an in dependent state, Khalistan. The minister criticized opposition Janata Dal member, Kam Jethmalant for his alleged support to separatist movement in the state. This was strongly objected to by Dal leader Gurupadashwamy who said Jethmalani had made it very clear on the floor of the house that he had never extended any support to them.
Buta Singh maintained his charge saying he had evidence to prove it.
Also approved was an ex tension of federal rule in the southern state of Karnataka by another six months.
Replying to a brief discussion the federal minister of state for home P. Chidambaram said that the governor’s letter indicated the possibility of dovetailing parliamentary and assembly elections.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 20, 1989
