The Punjab government is in a dilemma over the Centre's directive to observe former prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination day, October 31, as Rashtriya Sankalp Divas.
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government is in a dilemma over the Centre's directive to observe former prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination day, October 31, as Rashtriya Sankalp Divas.
Gandhi was shot dead by two Sikh bodyguards at her official residence in New Delhi on October 31, 1984, and the Akali Dal government in the state does not want to convey a certain impression by showing the assassins in poor light.
State cooperative minister captain Kanwaljit Singh said Gandhi's assassination was linked to Operation Blue Star which gravely hurt Sikh sentiments. He said he wondered if chief minister Parkash Singh Badal would allow observation of the day as it would mean public condemnation of the assassins not in consonance with the popular sentiment.
The government has, however, forwarded the circular to all state departments, suggesting they observe the former prime minister’s martyrdom day as Rashtriya Sankalp Divas.
The circular suggests the government organise seminars and discussions to highlight Gandhi's sacrifice for the integrity of the nation.
Punjab chief secretary RI Singh refused to comment on the matter saying it had political overtones.
Sikh radicals in the state, on the other hand, have been glorifying the act of the assassins saying Gandhi was “punished for attacking the Golden Temple” and that the youth who shot her dead “rendered a true service to the Sikh panth”, something that every Sikh must emulate.
The ruling Akali Dal has been desisting from openly supporting the cause of the assassins, but in view of the popular sentiment, the state government would rather defy the Centre than invite the wrath of Sikh radicals.
b_ajay@dnaindia.net
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