Politicians have to be blamed for the rise of terrorism in Punjab. All parties were equally responsible for the situation, says Maninderjeet Singh Bitta, former President of Indian Youth Congress and chairman of the All India Anti-Terrorist Front.
Mr. Bitta, a survivor of 14 assassination attempts on his life in mid-1990’s, was at Sitaram Ayurvedic Resort at Nattika for treatment of his legs, scarred with bullet injuries and splinters from bombs.
“The Pro-Khalistan insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s claimed around 36,000 lives in Punjab. However, with United efforts of State and Union governments and political parties, the State managed to control it then. Now, after years, there has been a rise in attempts to revive militancy in Punjab. The country and country’s flag have been disrespected in places like Canada, Germany, U.K. and U.S. Pakistan supported extremist elements based in Western countries are trying to trigger unrest in Punjab again with Khalistan sentiments,” Mr. Bitta said.
