Centre may consider blacklisted Sikh youths issue, if they shun Khalistan demand, says Chidambarm

Attari (Punjab), Feb.20 (ANI): Union Home Minister P.Chidambaram on Saturday said the Central Government could consider the issue of black-listed Sikh youths if they gave up their demand of Khalistan and militancy.

The Centre would appreciate any scheme by Punjab government on the lines of North East or Naxal affected States, he added.

Speaking after the laying the foundation stone of Integrated Check Post (ICP), envisaged to boost trade and commerce between India and Pakistan, at Attari border here on Saturday Chidambaram reiterating India's stand on the scraping the blacklist of the Sikh youths living in various countries saying: "If Sikh youths renounce the demand of Khalistan and militancy, we will certainly facilitate the return of the Sikh youths to India."

"If Punjab government wishes to draw up a scheme, we will be happy to consider the scheme, as we are considering in the case of North East, Naxal affected States and Jammu and Kashmir," Chidambaram said.

Answering another question about revival of terrorism in Punjab, Chidambaram said that he was sure that terrorism would not return to Punjab.

He said that Punjab is by and large a peaceful and progressive state and he sincerely hoped that no more youth would be misguided. "We should look forward for bright and a building unjab." By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)