Karat added that Surjeet had also warned against “stirring up common feelings through an RSS-backed platform called Hindu Suraksha Samiti”.
Brinda Karat. files
Veteran CPI(M) leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet had pointed out in the early 1980s that “too many (Sikh) extremist leaders found shelter and support in Canada,” as CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat wrote in her memoirs “An Education For Rita wrote about her experiences between 1975 and 1985.
“Since the early 1980s, there have been regular reports of the growth of foreign-backed extremist elements mobilizing in the name of a separate Sikh state and evolving into the movement for Khalistan. The party in Punjab fought against this trend politically with the help of the CPI, and our comrades were often targeted by the extremists… In particular, the party warned about the politically questionable role of the Congress party and its government vis-à-vis the separatist leaders. The Congress tried to use these elements in the fight against the main political force in Punjab, the Shiromani Akali Dal. Comrade Surjeet and the party advocated the need to find political solutions to some of the genuine demands of the people related to the autonomy of the state, the status of Chandigarh, the border disputes with neighboring states and the sharing of river waters. We emphasized the importance of politically isolating the extremists rather than just resorting to repressive measures by the security forces,” Karat writes in her book.
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“A look at Comrade Surjeet's numerous interventions on the ground… shows how prescient he was in understanding that India was heading for catastrophe.” He expressed sharp criticism of the role of the US government and pointed out that there are too many extremist leaders in Canada found protection and support.”
Karat added that Surjeet had also warned against “stirring up common feelings through an RSS-backed platform called Hindu Suraksha Samiti”.
Highlighting the CPI(M)'s “efforts” to promote peace and harmony in difficult times, she says Operation Bluestar changed things dramatically… and in “retaliation” a large number of Hindus were killed in Gurdaspur. She added that the BJP, RSS and sections of the Congress started organizing marches raising “provocative slogans”.
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First uploaded on: 14-01-2024 at 01:51 IST