Reply From Bbc

[Harmeet Singh]

Dear Mr Singh

Thank you for your e-mail which I have only recently received in regard

to

the BBC documentary: 'Indira Gandhi - The Killing of Mother India'. My

apologies I have been unable to reply before now.

I very much regret that our programme has caused you distress, and of

course, that was not our intention at all. We went to great lengths to

ensure the documentary was not biased or inaccurate, and feel we

succeeded.

Among several allegations you make about the programme's 'bias', you

claim

that 'the program was completely one sided without giving any regard to

the

genocide that happened on June 6 1984. You overlook the fact that

roughly 3

of the first 5 minutes of the film were dedicated to a reconstruction

and

analysis of the anti-Sikh riots in 1984. Thereafter the film's

commentary

clearly states the 'incalculable damage caused in the hearts and minds

of

Sikhs around the world', in the wake of Operation Bluestar, and the

'violation of their holiest shrine'.

Sant Jarnail Singh Bindrinwale has been repeatedly described for many

years

as 'extremist and fundamentalist' by a wide variety of Sikh and

non-Sikh

politicians and journalists, as well as eyewitnesses to the events that

occurred in the Punjab between 1980 and 1984. We spoke to several of

them -

many more than appeared in the film.

Thereafter we went to great lengths to invite contributions from

interviewees who reflected a wide variety of opinion. Many were highly

critical of Indira Gandhi, and at least one was a passionate supporter

of

Bindrinwale.

I hope you will understand that our programme never set out to be about

the

tragedy of Operation Bluestar or the grievances of the Sikh community

during Indira Gandhi's term in office. While a highly significant

episode

in India's history, you will understand we were covering a period of

over

50 years. If you felt our analysis was overly simplified, this explains

why.

While I regret the offence you individually have taken to our

programme, I

am afraid I feel the film is a fair and accurate account and cannot

agree

with your opinions.

Thank you for taking the trouble of contacting me.

Yours sincerely,

NICK READ

Producer - 'Indira Gandhi - The Killing of Mother India'