Rajiv-Longowal Accord on Chandigarh October 24, 2014 10:36AM |
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"The present Hindu-Sikh conflict is the saddest tragedy of post-partition Indian History. Its genesis lies in a narrow-minded attitude of certain sections of the community, that totally refutes the traditional Hindu virtues of tolerance and understanding. One also wonders, why the Sikhs are always pushed into agitation for their basic constitutional demands, the kind of which were never denied to other States and communities. Why was Punjab the last linguistic State to be formed (10 years late)? Why is Punjab the only state in India whose capital Chandigarh is governed by the Central Government? There are many such unanswered questions which deserve serious probing and full national exposure. Indian news agencies and papers will do well to investigate the reasons for Hindu-Sikh conflict arising from Hindu opposition to Sikh demands, even though their demands were made to the Government (and not to the Hindus of Punjab and Haryana). While most of the Sikh demands are for the welfare of Punjab State, not one demand is anti-Hindu or hurts Hindu sentiments in any way.”
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“All through the tangle in Punjab, the Government has preferred to talk religion instead of economics and politics in its dealings with the Akali party, which represents the interests of Punjabi peasants and farmers, the majority of whom are Sikhs. The farmers say, “Give us more of our own river waters to irrigate our fields or refer the matter to the Supreme Court.” The Government replies, “We allow you to broadcast religious music over All India Radio, as for the water we shall appoint a tribunal to give a ruling on the dispute.” The Akalis say, “Chandigarh, which happens to be in the heart of Punjab, should not have to be shared as a capital with neighbouring Haryana. The Government retorts, “But how can we persuade the Government of Haryana to agree!”.... The Akalis say that Punjab and other States throughout India should be given greater economic powers and allowed to manage their own affairs. New Delhi retorts, “This is a talk of secession, it must be inspired by a foreign power.”
Re: Rajiv-Longowal Accord on Chandigarh October 24, 2014 12:06PM |
Re: Rajiv-Longowal Accord on Chandigarh October 25, 2014 11:28AM |
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“To-day India is almost free of foreign domination and we pride ourselves on the freedom of our country. But the real content of our freedom can only be felt if the minorities are given due protection and provided safeguards for the development of their culture, language and religion.”
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“My father had been strongly opposed to the idea (Punjabi Suba), but, by 1966, the demand had grown so strong that the Centre was in no position to resist it ... Unfortunately Mr. Shastri had made Sardar Hukam Singh, the Speaker of the Lower House, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Punjabi Suba, although he was biased in favour of Punjabi Suba ... I went to Mr. Chavan and said that Sardar Hukam Singh was going to give a report in favour of Punjabi Suba and that he should be stopped.’’
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“But I was very bothered and I went round seeing everybody. Of course, once, the report came, it was too late to change it. This startling reversal of Congress policy was totally unexpected. While a Sikh agitation had been averted, Hindu minority in the projected Punjabi Suba felt let down.”
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“The intention of the government then was to use me against my community, secure an adverse report and then reject the demand.”
Re: Rajiv-Longowal Accord on Chandigarh October 26, 2014 05:33AM |