NEW DELHI: Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet warned the moderate Akali groups against “succumbing to the pressures from freedom fighters and following their line.”
“The situation in Punjabis very serious. The election results have encouraged the freedom fighters who have begun acting as if they are in power,” Mr Surjeet, told reporters here.
Criticizing the decision by the Akali Dal group led by Mr Badal to stage a dharna against the killing of Anoop Singh, against whom the police said there were 40 criminal cases, in a police encounter, he said that moderate Akalis had to “clearly demarcate themselves from the separatists.”
Mr Surjeet said that the federal government would have to ensure that the administration continued firm action and called for full support to officers fighting. separatism.
Opposing immediate assembly elections in Punjab, Mr Surjeet said that conditions had to be created for holding free and fair elections in the state.
The placing on trial of those responsible for the November 1984 riots, release of military personnel, who deserted in the wake of Operation Bluestar, release of those detained for raising pro-Khalistan slogans and providing shelter for freedom fighters, after due scrutiny, would go a long way in assuaging the feelings of Sikhs, he said.
“The people of Punjab are against Khalistan,” he said adding that the government would also have to take into consideration the sentiments of the minorities in Punjab.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 29, 1989
