Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Act with restraint and farsightedness, don’t repeat tragic blunders of ’80s: Parkash Badal to Govts
“Situation critical: peace in danger: Govt’s inept handling to blame”
Ex CM calls for end to “wave of repression against innocents”
Stop vilifying the patriotic Sikh community, says Badal
Babushahi Bureau
Faridkot/ Chandigarh/March 23, 2023: Five times Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Parkash Singh Badal today expressed “ grave concern and anxiety” over the sequence of recent events in Punjab and called for an end to the on-going wave or repression against innocents and maximum vigil to preserve the hard-earned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state.
In a message to Punjabis and the rest of the countrymen, Badal expressed “anguish” over the prevailing situation and said that this is an outcome directly of an inept handling of a sensitive situation by the present govt. Their style of governance has posed a serious challenge to peace, law and order and social harmony in the state.
“For fifteen years, three successive govts led by me not only ensured peace and harmony among Punjabis of all faiths and shades of opinion but also put the state firmly on a fast-track development mode, visible everywhere even today. But things began to degenerate the moment we left and everyone can see that degeneration around them now,” he said.
Badal,however, said that his party will cooperate with everyone regardless of our political differences to bring back peace, harmony and progress to the state.
“Peace is beyond and above political divisions. All of us must work together as Punjabis and to salvage our state. We will always go the extra mile to cooperate with others for this sacred objective for the sake of our people,” he said.
Badal said that discharging constitutional obligations by a government is an extremely serious matter requiring a serious and responsible approach. “Petty vengefulness visible these days is a sure recipe for disaster for good governance,” he said.
Commenting on the recent “police and para military action” of the present govt, Badal said that they failed in their primary declared objective and then tried to cover this failure up with massive propaganda and by unleashing a reign of repression against innocent youth who faced no charges prior to this.
“I am surprised that they are calling this a success even as the state drifts into tension. Instead of discharging their primary constitutional obligation of maintaining peace, the rulers of today are busy defaming the patriotic people of Punjab.”
Badal said that no innocents should be put to any hardship and those picked up in haste without credible grounds must be released forthwith.”
"The Sikhs are the guarantors of not only the freedom but also the security of our motherland. The govt and the media are doing a grave injustice by painting a brave and patriotic community as separatists. This is a repeat of the Congress ways in the 1980s and 90s. It must stop forthwith.”