From News Dispatches CALCUTTA: “There is perhaps no place in the world where police repression has been as severe as in Punjab. The brutal techniques employed by the police have been taught them by the Russians.” This was stated here at a largely attended convention on “state terrorism in Punjab,” by Justice Ajit Singh Bains, the President of the Punjab Human Rights Organization. Over 500 distinguished delegates attended the meet which voiced serious concern over Delhi’s murderous handling of Punjab. Even apartheid in South Africa ‘was not quite as ruthless as the tyranny by the state in north India. The general secretary of the Unified Akali Dal (M), Gurtej Singh Brar, Bibi Daljit Kaur, sister of jailed leader S. Simranjit Singh Mann, Secretary to Imam Syed Bukhari of Delhi, Mr. Nawabuddin were among the delegates.
In this first of its kind meet, a resolution was passed condemning fake encounters, atrocities on women and the imprisoning of thousands without trial. Desecrating gurdwaras and the absence of judicial remedies were also soundly condemned.
The convention felt that individual terrorism could only arise when state terrorism took a deep-rooted hold on a community which had no resource even to peaceful agitations.
An end to state terrorism is a prerequisite to peace in Punjab. It was also felt that all officers responsible for atrocities on Sikhs Operation Bluestar included and weaker sections must be punished.
Nawabuddin stressed that if India is to stay united the government needs to look after the minorities and not pander to the whims of the Hindu majority.
Saran Singh a retired IAS officer said it was a matter of great shame that all of India was quiet while Punjab bummed.
All the speakers were unanimous in demanding that state terrorism be stopped in Punjab and that such conventions need to be held in all major cities.
Over 50,000 people have lost their lives over the last five years and thousands are missing. Everyday there are reports of youths dying in fake encounters and rape of women in police custody. Foreign newsmen are not allowed into Punjab, in fact, no foreigners is allowed in.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 22, 1989
