ARCHIVED FORUM: Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib
Sikhs in Danger in Haryana
Posted by : singh
Date: 7/15/2004 6:12 pm
Just like the early 80s......
Sikh Students Federation (Mehta) warns
mischief-mongers
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, July 15
Taking a serious view of the attack on a Punjab Roadways bus in Haryana and the threat of various outfits to target Sikhs in the neighbouring state, the Sikh Students Federation (Mehta) has warned the mischief-mongers to desist from such acts or be prepared for similar measures in Punjab.
Coming down heavily on the BJP, Mr Gurcharan Singh Grewal, president of the outfit, said the BJP was playing to the gallery and with an eye to increase its vote bank. The gameplan of the party was dangerous and it would further incite the inflamed sentiments of the people on the emotive issue.
The people of Punjab were united and were ready for any sacrifice to safeguard their rights, he added.
He said it was a matter of record that certain forces had always worked against the welfare of the Punjabis, especially Sikhs. The discrimination had started from the time of Partition and continues till date. The people had always been forced to fight for their rights as was evident on the Punjabi Suba movement and the injustices which led to terrorism. Now a similar atmosphere was being created which would not only sour relations between the people of the neighbouring states but could also result in bloodshed, he pointed out.
Mr Grewal said the BJP was whipping up frenzy on the waters issue so that it would reap rich dividends in the forthcoming Assembly elections in Haryana.
This was not Gujarat and the sooner the BJP realise it the better it was for all concerned.
“It is hard to understand why everyone is crying hoarse over the issue which is an attempt to protect the rights of the state and as per internationally accepted laws. Any other state would have done the same in similar circumstances, so where’s the conflict,” he questioned.
He informed that a meeting of the working committee of the federation would be held shortly to chalk out a further course of action.
He also appealed to all the people to remain calm but be ready to take up the cudgels for a just cause. The people should be ready to make sacrifices for settling a contentious issue once and for all, he added.
