From Our Special Correspondent
Chandigarh: The term of one man Matthew Commission constituted determine Hindi speaking villages in Punjab that are to be simultaneously transferred to Haryana in lieu of Chandigarh has been extended to January 15. According to RajivLongowal accord the commission was to submit its report by December 1985 and Punjabi speaking areas in Haryana were to be transferred to Punjab on the basis of this report. it is now believed that the extension of the Commission’s term can mean that Chandigarh may not be transferred to Punjab on January 26, 1986 as envisaged in the Accord.
To pressurise the Central government against transferring Chandigarh, opposition parties are organizing an agitation which is being spearheaded by former Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Devi Lal. Mr. Bhajan Lal, Chief Minister, Haryana, is also reportedly ex tending support to Mr. Devi Lal. Mr. Devi Lal is doing foot march (PadYatra) in the state to mobilize support for the agitation.
- Sujit Singh Barnala, Chief Minister Punjab, however, in a meeting with the reporters declared that Chandigarh will definitely be transferred to Punjab on January 26, 1986. Official circles are also hoping to hold the next Republic Day State level function in Chandigarh only.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 13, 1985
