G21038401

(21 Mar 1984) GS CAS SPECIAL REPORT: PUNJAB: The Indian Govt is confronted by its
21038401 Sikh citizens with its most serious challenge since
1"VT+BVU independence in 1947. They demand autonomy for the Punjab,
and have barricaded themselves inside the Golden Temple of
Amritsar - the holy city is in a state of siege, surrounded
by govt troops. The Akali movement has launched a campaign
of terror against Hindus, which has provoked a counter-
campaign in Haryana state where Hindus predominate. More
than 100 people have been killed and 600 injured. Akali Ldr
Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale is propagating a fiery
fundamentalism among his followers; the govt would rather
deal with his moderate rival for the ldrship, Sanr Harchand
Singh Longowal. PM Mrs Indira Ghandi's dilemma is that the
Sikhs provide a quarter of the Indian Army's strength; the
issue could also become a factor in the 1985 General Elec.

--------------------------------------------------------------

INDIA SHOWS: GV Golden Temple and lake; people crossing bridge to
Punjab temple; religious ceremony; armed guards in and around
Amritsar temple; Sikh militant meeting inside Temple area; Sanr
Harchard Singh Longowal addressing meeting, surrounded by
armed guards; saffron turbanned militants chanting; sandbags
on Temple roof, armed guards watching; more sandbag bunkers;
guards with guns on alert; Sikh leaders with entourage go
onto roof of Temple; Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale
addresses enthusiastic meeting; more scenes of Bhindranwale
holding court; Amritsar street scenes with Indian security
forces at street corners etc; traffic instreet leading to
Temple gate; GV of Temple and city.

Delhi SHOWS: Scenes of Hindus demonstrating against the Punjab
Sikhs' demands and breaking up Sikh placards, and demanding
Indian govt takes action in Amritsar.
Date shot:15-21.3.84

Ex Vid (Punjabi sp) WTN 5.32mins

T/I:0.35mins

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...