Akalis misusing Gurudwaras for their political ends: Giani Zail Singh

Zail Singh:Union Home Minister Giani Zail Singh, 65, has been accused by some of Punjab's Congress (I) leaders of fomenting dissidence against Chief Minister Darbara Singh. He has also been charged with feeding stories to the national press against the chief minister on the recent developments in Punjab. Zail Singh spoke to India Today on his relationship with Darbara Singh and the current political atmosphere in Punjab. Excerpts:Q. Why are the Sikhs fighting for the solution of their grievances which have been pending with the Government for quite some time?A. These are not new demands. The demand for a separate Khalistan was raised in 1942. Since then a few disgruntled elements have been raising these demands occasionally. In fact, whenever they find that their leadership is in danger, they raise these demands. Now they have again made it a national problem by hijacking a plane. It is nothing but blackmailing and anti-national.Q. People believe that because of the strained relationship between you and Darbara Singh, the situation will deteriorate further.A. In fact, we have cordial relations and both the Central and state Governments are working in unison. The situation is quite under control but at the same time it is quite serious.Q. There are allegations that you meddle in state Government affairs.A. It is absolutely incorrect.Q. Do you believe that the Akalis are misusing Gurudwaras for their political ends?A. Of course. They should not be allowed to use the places of worship for politicking. Why do they interfere in the religious institutions when they are politicians themselves?Q. But Akalis claim to be the true representatives of the Sikhs.A. How can they claim that? Did they get a certificate from Guru Gobind Singh that only these people will represent the Sikhs? What kind of Sikhism is it? They draw salaries from the Gurudwaras but play politics. Is it fair to use the Gurudwara donations given by all irrespective of political convictions, to promote the interests of a political party? They consider that only Akalis are Sikhs. They have made Gurudwaras the hotbed of politics. If people start losing faith in the Gurudwaras, Akalis will be held responsible for it.Q. What do you think about the Khalistan movement?A. The Khalistan movement is not only anti-national but it is anti-Sikh also. They are putting Sikhism to shame. Did the Sikhs fight the enemies to part Company from India? Those who think in these terms are insane people.Q. Do you believe that the Khalistan movement will gain strength because Sikhs feel that they have been let down by the Indian Government?A. The Khalistan movement hardly has any support except from a few people who have fled the country. As far as the Sikhs are concerned, our community has done quite a good job in every field-be it defence, agriculture, engineering or industry. It is one of the most prosperous communities in the country.Q. But the Akalis allege that the Sikhs are being discriminated against in every field, that Sikhs are considered second class citizens in the country.A. Where had these demands gone when these Akalis were ruling the state and were partners in the Central Government? Since they do not have any social, economic and political programme, they are raising religious slogans to foment trouble in the state. Now they say that the Government is interfering in the Gurudwaras. What is the relation between sacred places like Gurudwaras and the prices of wheat, cotton and sugarcane? But they have linked economic demands with religious ones because they can rally the Sikhs behind them.Q. Will you be able to contain the movement?A. We have succeeded in the past; there is no reason to believe that we will fail this time. We will try to negotiate with those who are against the Khalistan movement on the various demands. As for the Khalistan movement, it should be crushed with a heavy hand.Published By: AtMigration Published On: Nov 10, 2014 18:17 IST--- ENDS ---

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Akalis misusing Gurudwaras for their political ends: Giani Zail Singh

Union Home Minister Giani Zail Singh has also been charged with feeding stories to the national press against the chief minister on the recent developments in Punjab.

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