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Apathy in a former hotbed of terrorism

By Sarabjit Pandher

TARN TARAN, MAY 25. The first week of June, when the 20th Anniversary of "Operation Bluestar" is to be observed, will bring back bitter memories for the people of this region. Once known as the "hotbed of terrorism" and where the callous approach of the powers has led to a sense of apathy among the people, it also holds out a message for the country's political leadership.

Many in Punjab, especially the State police, often pat themselves for "effectively" dealing with terrorism. Travelling across this police district, located on the India-Pakistan border, it is, however, clear that the mere absence of violence does not mean peace has been established.

Although a decade has lapsed since the guns fell silent, the scars of hurt are still visible. The memories of the days when they were often caught in the crossfire between the Babey (militants) and the police still haunt the locals. They also shudder as they recall the counter-terrorist tactics of the police.

Dasuwal is the native village of the slain Babbar Khalsa International chief, Sukhdev Singh, and his younger brother, Mehal Singh. The duo's elder brothers — Angrez Singh and Rasal Singh — who continue to live here warn that if the causes that resulted in the youth taking to arms are not addressed, the chances of militancy erupting again cannot be ruled out. They list out various instances to point out that social injustice and economic disparity have only increased since 1978 when it all began.

Sur Singh is believed to be one of Punjab's largest and oldest villages. It is also believed to have accounted for the maximum number of militants who were later eliminated. Most of its residents believe that successive Governments at the Centre as well as in the State have failed to address the various problems — unemployment, stagnation in the farm sector and growing levels of corruption.

Panjwar, a conglomerate of five settlements, also accounted for about a dozen dreaded ultras, including the evasive Khalistan Commando Force chief, Paramjit Singh; his name was among the list of 20 wanted persons forwarded to Pakistan last year. Here people still view an unknown visitor with suspicion.

Paramjit Singh's elder brother, Sarabjit Singh, and his wife are slowly picking up the threads of their lives; they were rendered homeless for two years following police "efforts to trace Paramjit." Sarabjit complains that his tractors, trailers and other articles, which had been taken away, have still not been returned. He is bitter that some former militant leaders have joined mainline political parties. "If they only wanted these petty positions, why did they lead so many youths to the path of self-destruction?"

On the other side of the village, some young men are playing cards; they have nothing else to do after discontinuing their studies. Lakhwinder Singh, 22, and Harjit Singh, 20, have dim memories of the "dark days," which they want people to forget.

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