It is easy to welcome the Union government’s decision to impose President’s rule in Punjab. Several arguments can readily be cited in its support. The state cabinet, headed by Mr. Darbara Singh, was as badly split as the Congress(I) legislature party; neither had shown the slightest inclination to close ranks in the face of the continuing Akali challenge; these divisions had enfeebled the state government to a point where it was not able to take steps to curb the Akali extremists and maintain law and order; there has been an alarming upsurge in violence in the past fortnight; and reports have circulated to the effect that Mr. Darbara Singh was not allowing the leadership of the police force the necessary freedom to transfer officers who had been found wanting in competence, enthusiasm and impartiality. Indeed, it can legitimately be said that the Centre had not been left with any other option in view of the state government’s failure, for whatever reasons, to rise to the occasion. But the decision raises certain issues which should not be shirked.
The Akalis, it is only too well known, have been extremely keen to see Mr. Darbara Singh out of the office of chief minister. At one stage, Sant Longowal went to the extent of saying publicly that the prospect of a settlement between the Union government and the Dal would improve if Mr. Singh was to be removed. The chief minister was a thorn in the side of the Akalis precisely because he is a genuine nationalist and commands a following among the Sikhs. Apparently, their calculation was that no other Sikh leader in the Congress (I) would have either the stature or the stamina or even the will to confront them and that his removal would help them polarize politics in the state completely along communal lines. It would be idle to deny that they have already succeeded in this nefarious design. The implication is obvious. The enforcement of President’s rule in the state must be followed by steps which can effectively frustrate the extremist Akali plans.
It does not necessarily follow that a Sikh of ability and good standing in the community should have been appointed governor of Punjab. But, surely, such a move would have made it difficult for the Akalis to communalize political life in the state still further. Meanwhile the Union government has done well to change the governor. Mr. AP Sharma could not have measured up to the task of presiding over a thorough overhaul of the state administration, which has become absolutely necessary if the extremists are to be put out of harm’s way. Mr. Sharma would not have been removed from the Union cabinet if Mrs. Gandhi had been satisfied with his performance. On the eve of his exit, he had a heart attack. His choice as governor of Punjab was not particularly wise even then. He could easily have been accommodated in a less troubled state. In the new circumstances, his continuance in what has now become an office of critical importance would have been an unnecessary handicap. The new governor, Mr. BD Pande, should fill the bill quite well. The governor will be assisted by advisers who have also been well chosen. Mr. Harbans Singh and Mr. Jagatpati are good and experienced administrators.
The stake in Punjab is extremely high – the country’s security. The Centre should spare no effort and shirk no decision, however unpleasant, if it is to restore respect for authority. Obviously, the Akali murder squads are well-organised, well-trained, well-armed and well-financed. The police, on the other hand, have been either inefficient or unenthusiastic or even sympathetic towards them. This must change. Apparently, the intelligence agencies too have not performed well in Punjab. They must be reorganized. The Akali agitation and the activities of the murder squads apart, Punjab has become a smugglers’ paradise. This poses a grave threat to the country’s economy. It could have been treated as a long-term problem if there was no reason to apprehend that there might be a connection between smuggling and the attempt to foment a Hindu-Sikh conflict. But there is reason to entertain such and indeed worse fears. These links can be exposed and destroyed only with the help of an efficient intelligence set-up. Finally, the Akali leaders should be left in no doubt that the government means business.