Pb minister slams Akalis for neglecting Longowal

Punjab minister Sadhu Singh Dharmsot today described Sant Harchand Singh Longowal as a 'crusader of peace' and said he laid down his life for the sake of unity and integrity of the nation.
Addressing a gathering during the state level function to mark the martyrdom day of Longowal herey, he said that the supreme sacrifice made by Sant Longowal would be ever remembered by one and all.
He said that during the black days in the state when bloodshed was the order of the day, Longowal inked the Rajiv- Longowal accord to restore peace, communal harmony and amity in the state.

Dharmsot, however, said that the forces inimical to the peace and progress of the state gunned down Sant Longowal to foil this attempt to bring normalcy in the state.
Training his guns on the Akalis, the forest minister said that the Shiromani Akali Dal has always done politics over the issue of martyrdom of Sant Longowal.
He said the Akali leadership has always given preference to its "political interests" and Sant Longowal's supreme sacrifice was deliberately "undermined" by the Badals, which was a grave insult of the great crusader of peace and brotherhood.

Dharmsot said that instead of recognising the great contribution of Longowal for the sake of the country and state, the Badals have always gave preference to their vested political interests.

The minister said due to apathy of Badals, Longowal town has "lagged" behind in the process of development during the last one decade of their misrule.
However, he said that the Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh was committed to holistic development of this town.
Dharmsot said that he would soon apprise the chief minister about the need for pumping in more resources to ensure overall development of Longowal.