Gandhi Vows to ‘Destroy’ Sikh Rebels
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NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, protected by thousands of police, vowed Friday to use more force if necessary to press a crackdown against terrorism in Punjab state and “destroy” Sikh separatist extremists.
Gandhi made the pledge in an Independence Day speech over national radio and television, delivered from behind a three-sided bulletproof glass screen atop the ramparts of the 17th-Century Red Fort in Old Delhi.
“They (Sikh extremists) kill and loot in the name of religion,” Gandhi said in his 40-minute speech delivered in Hindi. “Violence of any kind is bad, but violence in the name of religion is reprehensible.”
“The government will not spare any effort to destroy the extremists,” he said to the applause of 10,000 people gathered before the majestic fortress on the 39th anniversary of India’s independence from Britain.
“If force has to be used, we will use more force,” he added.
The 42-year-old leader said officials would “increase the momentum” of a crackdown in northern Punjab state.
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