Chandigarh, Dec 4: Pakistan’s Radio programme ‘Punjabi Durbar’ continues to level false allegations against the State and Central Government hoping to mislead the people in the border areas, but the propaganda is having no impact on them.

In one of its recent broadcasts ‘Punjabi Durbar’ has alleged that the Government of India is discriminatory in its attitude towards people living in Punjab. It alleged that the Centre is diverting water from Punjab to other areas by constructing canals and dams.

The broadcasts also alleged that the Indian government has described Sikh community as “terrorists”, looting and robbery is prevalent in Punjab, and Punjabi Hindus treat women badly.

Coming down heavily on the Pakistani Media, Rita Sharma, who is senior journalist, says that the further work on Sutlej Yamuna link canal has been stopped and the Reddy Commission is looking into the matter.

Punjab is a riparian state and the State Government is free to take its own decisions. Rita Sharma says that it is not true that water required by Punjab is taken away from the people of Punjab.

In Punjab dams are managed by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) since 1947,” she added.

The broadcasts that are aired from Lahore try repeatedly to mislead the youth living in Punjab; especially those who are living along the Indo-Pak border of the state, but it always evoke unhappiness among them.

Rita Sharma ridiculed allegation that members of the Sikh community are seen as terrorists in India. She said that India there is a Sikh Prime Minister in Manmohan Singh, former army chief in General J J Singh, and Tamil Nadu Governor in Surjit Singh Barnala. Several other persons are occupying important positions, both in the Government as also in the private sector. “One can only laugh at such allegations,” Rita Sharma remarked.

Sharma believes that Pakistan is making the allegations, only to hide the turbulent situation that is prevailing in that country.

Experts say that Pakistan has been sponsoring terror activities in India. The country is now facing terrorism in Swat and the tribal regions.

The broadcast made allegations that women are not treated well in Punjab, which is not true. It is in Pakistan that women are treated badly. Women in Pakistan are rarely able to prove cases, when they are raped.

Women in India are treated with respect and they occupy important positions. India has a Hindu President in Pratibha Patil and Hindu Chief Minister in Rajasthan in Vasundhara Raje Scindia. Several bureaucrats and heads of private organisations are women.

Punjab is known all over the country as the "Granary of India" because of its enterprising spirit and the untiring toil of its people. It has also become a land of boundless opportunities, offering distinct advantages for investment and industry, and it seems that Pakistan cannot digest this fact and cannot see a prosperous and developed Punjab.

In India, where modernity co-exists with ancient traditions and faiths, people shun propaganda that seeks to divide people on the basis of caste and religion. (ANI)