Simranjit Singh Mann MP
President Shrimoni Akali Dal
14/5/90
Shri Vishwanth Pratap Singh
Prime Minister
New Delhi
Dear Shri Vishwanath Pratap Singh
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
I have read statements in the daily Press that the SYL Canal is being speedily constructed with this yearend as the completion target.
It is surprising that the work on the canal is continuing when the Punjab Accord which formed the legal and political frame work for the SYL Canal has collapsed. If I understand the provisions of the Accord correctly, Chandigarh had to be transferred to Punjab on 26th January 1986. As this was not done the distribution of Punjab River Waters to other States as provided by the Accord could not be operative.
As things ‘stand, the only part of the Accord which is being implemented is the construction of the SYL Canal giving water to Haryana. All territorial and other claims of Punjab have been totally sidelined. Nothing proves more conclusively my charge that the centre has totally discriminated against Punjab and mulcted its assets.
The case of my party is that various agreements to distribute the Punjab River waters were not based on law and precedence but imposed treaties forced on client Chief Ministers like the Late Darbara Singh. These Chief Ministers would be summoned to Delhi and be forced to sign away Punjab’s assets in a manner the Chancellors of various East European States were forced to give way their countries to Hitler.
Therefore, the issue of the Punjab River waters needs a fresh look by an elected Government. In principle non-riparian States can only receive Punjab waters by making a commercial agreement with Punjab. However, where the issue of the SYL Canal is concerned, its construction must be stopped immediately as there is no legal sanction for it. Only when an elected Government settles this matter with Haryana, can this construction begin.
However, if work on the SYL Canal continues, I will be forced to conclude that the extension of President’s Rule is not, as stated, to restore law and order but a ploy to transfer Punjab’s resources illegally through the agency of a corrupt and callous administration.
In conclusion I will state that any actions and commitments made on behalf of Punjab by the imposed regimes of Governors Ray and Mukarji cannot and will not bind the state and people of Punjab. Therefore, I will request you to allow an elected Government to settle the Punjab issues. In the meantime as the custodian of Punjab’s interests under extended Presidents’ rule I will request you to stop the construction of the SYL Canal otherwise the people of Punjab will be further alienated.
With kind regards.
Yours sincerely
Simranjit Singh Mann
