Simranjit Singh Mann
President Shromani Akali Dal
23/4/90
PRESS RELEASE
I had come to vocalise the anguish of Punjab over the draconian Constitutional amendment being pushed through Parliament. The crux of the Punjab problem is the lack of understanding of the Sikh psyche at the centre and the absence of empathy for the aspirations and feelings. The “Sword” issue was meant as the litmus test of the Central Governments! intentions. It brings out the wide gap in perceptions in a graphic manner. I gave enough time to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to resolve this irritant in a manner befitting the traditions of parliamentary democracy and the feeling of the proud people of Punjab. It is sad that the problem has not been addressed now when it has become imperative for me to address the Parliament on the issue of cardinal significance to the free people anywhere – the right to elect their own Governments. Judging by the ganging up of disparate political forces in the Parliament ranging from Congress (I) to BJP to the Communist parties and the helplessness of the National Front, it is pointless for Sikhs to participate in Parliamentary proceedings, as the nefarious alliance is impervious to logic or emotion. Their aim is to rule Punjab by bullets, not give ballot a chance, so that the repression of the past pales into insignificance compared to what is now envisaged.
The solution to the Punjab problem is not possible unless we demonstrate active empathy towards each other’s’ concerns, aspirations and religions, including religious symbols. Trust and faith, that has been meticulously destroyed over a decade, has to be rebuilt bit by bit.
I see instead, a retrogressive draconian Constitutional charade.
I return to my people to await the decision of the Parliament.
30.3.90 – New Delhi
