Radio Pakistan in its recent Punjabi Darbar programme has given an indication that Pakistan wants to revive the Khalistan agitation which caused misery to thousands of Sikhs in India and retarded the economic development of the State.

The Punjabi Durbar programme stated that India has forgotten the promise it had made to Sikhs and Kashmiris.

Manpreet Kaur, a Sikh scholar and educationalist, said that the Pakistan propaganda is not making any impact on the people living in Punjab. He remarked that "Before making comments on the situation in India, Pakistan should look at itself first, and the statements being made by its former President General Musharraf from London brazenly stating how Pakistan has misused American aid against India.

"Pakistan will never be able to incite minorities in India. The fact is that persons from minority are occupying important positions in our country. Our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Leaders like Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Shahnawaz Hussain are occupying posts in Bharatiya Janata Party.

"They are the voice of the countrymen, so how does the question of minorities being dominated or discriminated in India arise?," asked Manpreet Kaur, a Sikh scholar and educationalist.

Manpreet Brar pointed out that Sikhs and Hindus do not feel safe in many parts of Pakistan. Sikhs had to leave the North West Frontier as the Taliban elements there asked them to pay 'Jezia' or protection money. Many Sikhs and Hindus were forced to change their religion.

The latest allegations look ridiculous considering the fact that Sardar Parkash Singh Badal is heading the State Government of Punjab, which is an Akali Dal and BJP combine.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is also a Sikh, has always believed in the concept of secular India where members of all religions can live in harmony.

Dr. Singh's Cabinet represents persons of all religions but they have been included because of their intelligence and leadership qualities and not religious identities.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad is from Kashmir. Having remained one of the members of the Congress core committee, he has served as the Chief Minister of Kashmir in the recent past. Besides, Union Minister for Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah, whose son Omar Abdullah is the present Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, also represents the Kashmiri leadership in the present UPA government.

Former President of India A.P.J.Abdul Kalam is still one of the most respected figures of the country.

Manpreet Brar, asks can Radio Pakistan mention even one Hindu leader to have occupied the post of President or Prime Minister?

The support for a separate nation for Sikhs and an independent Kashmir only exposes how Pakistan is blatantly supporting divisive forces in India. (ANI)

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