In fact. although Sikhs account for only 2 percent of the enormous Indian population of 750 million. they produce 73 percent of the total Indian wheat reserve. 48 percent of the rice. and 26 percent of the gross national product of India. Yet central government agricultural pricing and industrial licensing policies. the subdivision of land into uneconomic units. and shortages of irrigation water have fueled a sense among Sikhs that Punjab is being "held back" in favor of less developed. but politically favored states. The resourcefulness of the Sikhs is demonstrated in this country by their presence in our communities. where they have emerged from their original status as migrant farm and railroad workers to professional positions within the sciences and the academic world. I believe that the Sikh community must be provided with the opportunity to negotiate an independence and autonomy from the central government of India. and that all necessary provisions for preventing further violence within the area and for ensuring peaceful cooperation between the states should be made. Mr.