By IANS,
Hoshiarpur (Punjab) : Radical group Dal Khalsa reiterated its demand for a separate Sikh homeland Wednesday, the 23rd anniversary of what it calls “Khalistan declaration day”.
A resolution to this effect was passed by Dal Khalsa leaders at a meeting in this town, 140 km from Chandigarh.
“Twenty-three years ago, on this day, a five-member Panthic Committee constituted by the Sarbat Khalsa convened by Damdami Taksal passed a resolution at Akal Takht Sahib favouring the independence of Punjab,” Dal Khalsa secretary Kanwarpal Singh said here.
“If the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can openly talk of the formation of a Hindu rashtra, why should Sikhs be devoid of their right to a separate state?” asked Dal Khalsa president H.S. Dhami.
Punjab had witnessed a prolonged phase of terrorism by Sikh militants between 1981 and 1995.
The Dal Khalsa leaders cautioned people against attempts by the ruling Akali Dal, its ally BJP and the Congress to encourage fake god men and their sect culture. They urged people to vote for leaders – other than those belonging to these parties – who would give them good governance.