In the early 1980s, one of Punjab's most turbulent periods, then Congress MP Captain Amarinder Singh was tasked by Rajiv Gandhi with a critical mission — arranging a meeting with Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

The meeting, which ultimately never took place, was reportedly called off at the last second due to fears of a possible "ambush" on Gandhi. The intriguing story is detailed in senior journalist and author Harinder Baweja's new book, "They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict".

The account was narrated by Singh at the recent book launch held at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi, where he also shared a humorous anecdote about how he once ended up sleeping in Bhindranwale's bed — something he jokingly claimed only he had managed to pull off.

"Mr Gandhi, Rajiv,

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