Capt changes tune
S P Singh
Chandigarh
FOR the first time since the passage of the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004 Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has given an indication that his government could be open to a “workable solution to the water problem (which) could be found after examining the whole gamut of issues.”
Amarinder, who had throughout remained stubborn on the question after the passage of the Termination Act in the face of stinging criticism across the country, made the remarks in a statement issued here officially with the express purpose of reiterating his faith in the judiciary.
Interestingly, the Termination Act was customized, to skirt around the June 4 judgement of the Supreme Court as per which Punjab was directed to hand over the construction work of the SYL canal in its territory to a Central Agency. Amarinder has so far maintained that there was no question of going back on the Termination Act, a stance which won him popularity in Punjab but has reportedly angered even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Amarinder also refuted statements attributed to him that terrorism would return to Punjab if the Supreme Court struck down the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004 passed by the State Assembly.
He, however, said, “Water was an emotive decision in Punjab and any decision (on the matter) has to be taken keeping in view the events that have happened in the past in Punjab since 1973.”
Amarinder has consistently maintained that the setting up of the Eradi Tribunal was wrong in law and has also questioned the quantum of water in Punjab rivers as assessed by the Eradi Tribunal.
Amarinder’s new tune about the possibility of a “workable solution” could be aimed at bringing about a thaw in the situation, said experts.
“Reiterating his firm faith and respect for the judiciary, Capt Amarinder Singh said a workable solution to the water problem could be found after examining the whole gamut of issues and considering socio-economic upheaval which can be caused by taking a decision not commensurate with the ground realities and changed circumstances,” the official release issued here said.
July 28, 2004