CHANDIGARH : United Akali Dal received a great setback when several of its key leaders, Bhatinda and Amritsar left the party and ‘extended their supporter  the Pant hic Committee. According to a press release issued on behalf of the committee its secretary Mr. Gurda Rshan Singh said that among those who had quit united Akali Dal were Mr. Toga Singh, a member of advisory committee and Mr. Baljit Singh, a General Secretary. Two leaders are from Bhatinda. At least three office-bearers of the Amritsar Distr. unit of the United Akali Dal have also left the party. Giving reasons for turning their backs to Baba Joginder Singh, they alleged that persons who had opposed Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his policies have been accommodated in the party and Baba Joginder Singh had revolted agai rst the decisions of Sarbat Khalsa convention. They held Baba responsible for creating a rift in the Damdami Taksal and All India Sikh Student Federation. Among those whose names appeared in the press-notes are : Mr. Daljit Singh, Mr. Nirmal Singh. Mr. Bal bir Singh; Mr. Balbir Singh GI Mr, Ragbir Singh Dhillon; Mr. Bal want Singh, Mr. Gurcharan Singh Brar all from Bhatinda; Mr. Ama sit Singh Khanda; Mr. Dilbagh Singh and Mr. Charan Singh all from Amritsar. Meanwhile, Dam dami Taksal’s officiating head Baba Takhur Singh said in a signed statement that they were trying to create mis-givings and constraints among the people. Baba Takhur Singh said that his decision to support the all India Sikh Student Federation led by Mr. Harinder Singh Kahlon and the seven member Ad Hog committee was backed by the Taksal. Those who were criticizing this decision were famishing the image of Taksal. He denied that there was division in the Taksal. Mr. Harinder Singh

Kahlon in a telegram to the Chief Minister Punjab, Mr. Sugjt Singh Barnala sought relief to enable the families of Federation engage in thrashing operations. He alleged police harassment of farmers who weren’t allowed to work in peace especially in Ferozpur District. The Panthic Committee has asked the Director General of police Mr. Julius Ribeiro to control his officials who were staging fake encounters.

Article extracted from this publication >> May 2, 1986