opposing extension of president rule in punjab

So, we must find time to think of Punjab. We must also find time to act on the problems of Punjab. So, I do not think that the present Resolution is of any harm. It is because, in all earnestness, the Government of India has now come forward to take some earnest steps and I would expect that at the time of reply, the hon. Minister will come out with certain immediate steps which they will be taking with regard to Punjab.
[Translation]
SHRI BHOGENDRA JHA (Madhubani): Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Article 356 of the Constitution has been incorporated as an exception. It is not main article of our Constitution. That article is to be used in extraordinary situation and in special circumstances. Now we have been asked to give approval for further extending the period of the President's Rule, proclaimed on 11th May 1987. We are being asked to approve the extention of the period from 11th November onward. How can we think and this Parliament decide two months before that the situation in Punjab will not be normal after two months. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, how any exception can be defined as a rule we are being asked ninth time to approve the President's rule. It is a serious violation of our constitutution. The approval is being asked at time where there are all possibilities for holding elections there. Whether the Government is willing to start the election process in Punjab and if the election commission is desirous. It can issue the notifica- 58 Statutory Resolution re. continuance of Proclamation by president in Relation to Punjab
tion upto 5th October and can complete the election process before 11th November. We would like that the Parliament should be free from the blame of continuous violation the constitution. Unfortunately this blame is about the Punjab, which was first to oppose the Rowlett Act by sacrificing blood at Jalianwala Bagh. Today we have been asked for the ninth time, to approve the violation of democratic rights. Mr.
Deputy Speaker Sir, this blame should not come on the Parliament and I request this august house too in this regard that not to pass this Bill. I would also request to the Government to take firm steps in future as I have said it earlier also.
First thing is that the date of Election should be announced. The Election Commission will announce it but the Government should announce its intention and decision. The second is that the Government has failed to take basic steps of the President's rule in the situation prevailing in Punjab. When land reforms can take place in Bengal and Kerala, Why it can't be in Punjab. You will not do it in the President's rule. There are also poor people who are being rendered landless. Punjab is the only state in India where the rich people plough the land of the poor people. In the rest of country the situation is just opposite. They became owner of thousands of acres of land by taking on contract from the poor farmers. This is the biggest producer of potato in Asia and other is the producer of another things. It is because you should provide relief, grant and tractor to the poor so that they can produce more foodgrains. They are the backbone of our democracy. Still I would like that the Minister of Home Affairs assure the House that the Government will try to implement the land reforms where they are not being implemented.
Already I said again and again that all the terrorists are not Khalistanis., a big section of those is of smugglers and criminals.
You are not able to differenciate between them. You haven't efficient intelligence-service. It is not war. The army cannot bring peace in Assam, Punjab and Kashmir. It is the duty of intelligence service and politicaly it is the duty of politicians. About politics our friend Inderjeet Gupta and
59 Statutory Resolution re. continuance of Proclamation by President in Relation to Punjab
[Sh. Bhogendra Jha]
other friends have said that on the issue of Chandigarh the objection of Haryana is natural. You can build another Chandigarh for Haryana.
In another agreement you can set up a plant for the proper supply of water. Similarly the issue of Fazilka and Abohar is also complicated.
But there is no problem about Chandigarh. Are you in the position of taking decision about that ? Mr. Deputy Speaker Sir, the most important thing you have to do is to constitute all party Advisory Committee at district and regional levels for organising and arming those people who are struggling for the natural unity and political solution of Punjab issue so that the participation of people of Punjab and their representatives become certain.
The speech, which our Minister of Home Affairs delivered here, does not mention any thing about how the Government will succeed in bringing normalcy in coming months. We feel ashamed because we have been continuously violating the rights provided by the constitution and become ready to vote on it. So my submission is that the Government should announce the future steps and we have no alternative except to oppose this bill in the present situation. To maintain the spirit of our constitution and to protect our democratic rights we have to oppose it. With them words I conclude my speech.
[English]
SHRI IMCHALEMBA (Nagaland): Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to say one point about the extension of the President's Rule in Punjab and also about holding of elections in Punjab.
The elections in Punjab were to be held alongwith the parliamentary elections. But that was very unceremoniously deferred. I think, that was one of the greatest blunders that we have committed in relation to Punjab.
Sir, it is indeed very sad that when we discuss about Punjab or about Kashmir, we do not find their representatives here. It is 60 Statutory Resolution re. continuance of Proclamation by President in Relation to Punjab
actually the people who come from Punjab would be the better representatives to speak on behalf of the state and on behalf of their people. But today, somehow or the other, due to certain changes in the situation, we have not been able to bring that position in respect of these two States. Also, today we find that their representatives are not here. We have not been able to install a popular Government there.
As we are delaying the matter, the situation in the respective states is gradually changing. For instance, Akalis were willing to participate in the last election. But now, somehow or the other, we find that they are not willing to participate in the elections. We know that if they do not participate in the elections, holding of elections there would be practically meaningless.
On the other hand, we are pressing the Government to have early elections in Punjab. My point is this. If we have decided to postpone the elections and if we feel that we should give time to the Government to create a congenial atmosphere, we should give a reasonable time to do that. Let us not conclude that merely holding of elections will solve the problem.
I understand from many of the speeches of the hon. Members, by holding elections a new change will come about.
But I think that is not the case. There are many related matters and some of the speakers have already spoken on these points. Those related matters, I think, will have to be taken into account first. A reasonable time has also to be given to the Government so that they can start a dialogue not only with the National Party, but I think the more important is the people and those representatives of political parties of the state who are closely related to the situation there.
If we approach them in the right manner and motivate them on the need to start democratic process in the State, they will naturally participate in the elections. But, to do this, it requires a little time, which does not mean undue delay in restoring the democratic 61 Statutory Resolution re. continuance of Proclamation by President in Relation to Punjab
process. It also does not mean that unlimited time should be taken by the Government. But, I strongly feel that a reasonable time has to be given to the Government.
I wanted to say some more points. But due to paucity of time I am concluding with the only hope that all points are to be considered and elections should be hold within a reasonable time.
RAO RAM SINGH (Mohindergarh): Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity. I rise to support the motion moved by the hon. Home Minister. The hon., Members of the Opposition have been harping only at one point that in order to start the democratic process in the Punjab, the elections should be held. But, democracy for whose benefit? I presume, the democratic process is for the benefit of the people and if the people are going to be killed like flies, then, I submit that it is not the right time to start the ;process just now. I think the wearer of the shoe know where the shoe pinches and the innocent people living in Punjab, know what sort of a situation will arise in case of an election. Normally, in a peaceful state even when elections are ordered those days, the atmosphere is already heated up, if the elections are held now, it would create a fuss.
Then, the Opposition Members have said that they have started a dialogue. Now, the point is which Government is going to start a dialogue. Nobody knows who is the true representative there. That may be one point in favour of what the Opposition have been saying that you hold election as so that you know who are the persons with whom to start a diagogue.
One more point I would like to bring out to set the recordes straight. Shri Indrajeet Gupta and Shri Bhogendra Jha both have stated that Chandigarh should be handed over to the Punjab. Now in order to have an election there and in order to moddify anybody's feelings, if Haryana is going to be damaged by handing over Chandigarh, then I suggest, this is not the right thing to do. It
62 Statutory Resolution re. continuance of Proclamation by President in Relation to Punjab
has been agreed by a number of Commissions and Indira Gandhi Award that Chandigarh will be handed over to the Punjab, but in lieu of this Abhor will come to Haryana. This has been decided time and again,.
But, only one-sided agreement cannot be allowed to go against Haryana.
Secondly, Shri Indrajit Gupta said that the Sutlej Beas Water Dispute should be referred to the High Court or to the Supreme Court.
Again, a number of decisions exist on the subject. The canal has to be dug up. It has been stopped forcibly. If we here in this House take it up and refer the Sutlej Beas Water Dispute back again to the Supreme Court and High Court, it will take another two years.
Haryana has paid hundreds of crores of rupees for completing the infrastructure for the canal for distribution of that water. We are losing lakhs of tons of foodgrains production by that small ten- kilometre link canal not being dug up. So, I request that the records should be put straight.
There is no question of the Sutlej-Beas Water Dispute being referred to the Supreme Court at this stage when every decision has already been taken.
SHRI SHRIBALLAV PANIGRAHI (Deogarh): Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I really thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak something on this Resolution.
I support this Statutory Resolution sought to extend the President's Rule in the troubled State of Punjab. Admittedly, Punjab is a national problem, rather it is a national crisis. Together with Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir also is a national problem. But I am glad that this being a national problem this Government, after assumption of office, is trying to bring about a formula as to how it could be solved, involving all other political parties. Earlier to this also, when Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister, he made some sincere efforts. He brought about an accord, known as Rajiv-Longowal Accord, But that also could not solve the problem whole-
63 Statutory Resolution re. continuance of Proclamation by President in Relation to Punjab
[Sh. Shriballav Panigrahi]
somely. On the other hand, when Mr. V. P. Singh because the Prime Minister, in a good gesture, he visited Golden Temple. There was some enthusiasm initially but afterwards the situation deteriorated there.
The V. P. Singh Government was supported by Left Front and also by BJP. What I mean to say is that it should not be viewed politically.
It is no use accusing this Government for the deteriorating situation.
What I mean to say is that they have failed and now this Government is also trying to solve this problem. It is a national problem and there should be a national consensus. It is no use finding fault with this Government, with the Congress Party, and accusing it.
Sir, it is not pleasure to support such a Resolution. We do not want extension of the President's Rule indefinitely in the State of Punjab. The situation now demands that the elections should be held as quickly as possible. But at the same time more important than this also is that the purpose of holding elections should be served. The elections should be free and fair. Can anybody say that if elections would have been held in the month of June or in September now, it would have been free and fair? Only killing go on there unabated, But a date should be fixed. As time seems, the Government is determined, the Government has made up its mind for fixing up a data to hold the elections very soon. But, at the same time the necessary climate has to be built up. That is very very important. How can the climate be built up to isolated the trouble-mongers, the criminals, the terrorists from the nationalist forces and the common people? I know common people are not supporting the secessionist movement. They are not with them. But, at the same time, there is a reign of terror going on there. All these political parties move together. they hold conferences, hold public meetings that will go a long way to see that the people also become bold, they come on the streets and fight out these forces.
This Rajiv-Longowal Accaord should
64 Statutory Resolution re. continuance of Proclamation by President in Relation to Punjab
be implemented in letter and spirit. At the same time, the behaviour, the activities, the conduct of all the political parties should be that this situation is not aggravated in Punjab.
In the name of asking for more power and on the plea of asking for more autonomy, for the State, will he be allowed to go on saying and discussing in the Assembly that only Defence and Money should be with the Centre and the rest with states? will it not send a signal?
Will it not encourage indirectly.**
I would like to make an appeal to all leaders, particularly the Opposition leaders that it is their responsibility to prevail upon that leader, the Chief Minister, to refrain from taking such a statement at this crucial time, more so when he styles himself as the principal crisis manager of the Janata Dal? Why is he going on saying in this way? All that is happening in Russia is it not sending a signal and is it not encouraging secessionist movement in India and elsewhere else. ? (Interruptions)
Therefore let us be united and with all sincerity discuss together and unitedly let us find out a formula and also implement it.
Otherwise It is no use holding the elections (Interruptions) SHRI SHRIKANTA JENA (Cuttack): Sir, I am on a point of order.
(Interruptions)
Sir, I am on a point of order. Shri Stiballav Panigrahi: We have to find out a solution to this problem. (Interruptions).
MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Shri Panigrahi, the normal procedure to be employed in this House is that whenever an hon. Member wants to raise a point of order, it is the duty of the speaker to yield. And it is the duty of the House to hear what the hon. Member says about the point of order.
(Inerruptions)
SHRI SHRIKANTA JENA: Sir, can any
--------------------------------------------------------------------- **Expunged as ordered by Chair.
65 Statutory Resolution re. continuance of Proclamation by President in Relation to Punjab
hon. Member make a reference that the chief Minister of a state is encouraging.
*will it go on record?
MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: That portion we will remove. We are expunging that portion.
(Interruptions)
SHRI SRIBALLAV PANIGRAHI: I have not said anything
unparliamentary. So many things are spoken here. I am not saying anything unparliamentary of objectionable. It is a fact. It is not a fact ? It is not a fact? Do you not know what is happening ?
(Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Kindly excuse me. Shri Panigrahi, the
understanding was that I never wanted to disappoint you. The last speaker would have been Shri Bhogendra, Jha, Just because you are an hon. Member and you raised your hand. I never wanted to deny you. And the understanding was that you will speak for two-and-a-half minutes only. You have gone beyond five-and-a-half minutes. It is not fair. Do not sidetrack. Kindly conclude.
SHRI SRIBALLAV PANIGRAHI: I am concluding. Sir, this is a problem with lot of gravity and, therefore, it could not be viewed politically and accusing the Congress party and the Government. Let there be united efforts by all of us and let us try to find out a formula, to solve this problem. Thank you.
MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: You have made a valuable contribution. Thank you. Now the reply by the Home Minister.
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI S.B. CHAVAN): Sir, I must express my thanks to all the hon. Members and specially some of our esteemed friends. They have shown great keenness in the restoration of democratic set up in Punjab. I take and kind of criticism that they have made in the light that they are greatly inter-
66 Statutory Resolution re. continuance of Proclamation by President in Relation to Punjab
ested in seeing that normalcy is restored in Punjab and there after the Government should not come forth with any kind of excuse for again asking for extension of the President's rule. That point is well taken. In fact the Government is equally keen that we should be able to restore democratic set up so that we are able to have some kind of a dialogue with the representatives of the people.
The policy that we would like to follow is this. There is a feeling of alienation that we find in the Punjabis or in particular sections in the Punjab area who feel that 'we are still not being considered as part and parcel of the country, we have been treated slightly in a different manner, Government seems to have some kind of reservations about some sections of the people'. I would like to assure all of them that we have no doubt in our mind about their patriotism, about their keenness to support the integrity of the country barring a few people who have been led astray because of the propaganda of other elements and interested sections. Barring those people, I don't think that people in Punjab at large have any kind of separatist feeling, and that is why in spite of the fact that I have clearly stated what the Governor has reported to me, it is a statement of of fact, we would rather take the risk of facing the election with the kind of terrorism which, in fact I believe is going to be escalated. At least I have no doubt in my mind that some of the extremists are going to mount pressure in order to see that we again postpone elections, but I can assure this House that whatever they might do, we are going to stand by what we commit here and let there be no doubt in the mind of any hon. Member that we are going to succumb to this kind of pressure. We are also equally interested in seeing that this kind of distrust which has been in the mind of some of the people in Punjab is being removed and at that stage certainly I would accept the suggestion of the hon. Member, Shri Chandrajeet Yadav, that we should have a kind of dialogue with people who are interested in creating proper atmosphere for free and fair elections

check

hi this is just to check