SACRAMENTO CA; Ajit Singh Rai, President Indian Worker’s Association, South all, London, said in an interview ‘with World Sikh News that “Indira Gandhi’s wrong and short- sighted polices are responsible for the problem”. “There were no ‘separatists’ and ‘terrorists’ before 1982”, he said, Punjabis in general and Sikhs in particular were playing significant role in the progress of the country and Sikhs always considered themselves as a very important constituent of the main- stream of India, But the scene changed suddenly when Indira Gandhi realized that she could no more retain power on the support of minorities. To woo Hindu majority votes, she adopted a policy far more communal and fundamental- list than pursued by any fanatic Hindu organization.

Mr. Rai also blamed Akalis for complicating the problem in order to gain political power in Punjab. “Akalis did not involve the opposition in its Morcha even though ‘most of the opposition parties had publicly supported some of their demands”, he said, Mr. Rifest that Operation Blue- Star had created a big divide between the Hindus and the Sikhs and had pushed the country to the brink of disintegration,

Responding to question on the solution to this problem, he said that Barnala or some alternative to Barnala won’t work. Indian Government must develop honesty – and sincerity and must enter into discussions with the true representatives of the Sikhs like A.I.S.S.F. and Baba Joginder Singh. “So long the aggrieved Sikhs are ignored, there can’t be any lasting solution”, he said.

On the question whether Sikhs could still trust the majority com- munity, he said, “It is a difficult ‘question. There can’t be any trust so long the present psychological divide between Hindus and Sikhs continues, so long persons like H.K.L. Bhagat are occupying mistrial chairs. The trust can be built by taking positive steps like declaring General Amnesty for all Sikhs detained in jails or facing trials, by rehabilitating army deserters and by conceding and implementing all constitutional demands of the Sikhs.

Mr. Rai praised efforts of the World Sikh News for its authentic reporting and enlightened views. He extended his full support to this project.

Article extracted from this publication >> August 1, 1986