This is the front page of The Indian Express published on September 30, 1984, Forty Years Ago.
Golden Temple open
The Golden Temple complex was thrown open to the public as the security forces which occupied it in June withdrew from the complex. Unrestricted entry into the Golden Temple was permitted after 117 days. The process of handing over the complex began after the Nihang leader, Baba Santa Singh, who along with around 1,000 Nihangs performed “ardas” in the Akal Takht to mark completion of its repair, vacated the temple at 10.30am.
Akali leaders’ release
The release of detained Akali Dal leaders and installation of a popular government in Punjab are reportedly underway as a part of the process of normalisation of the situation in the state. Orders for the release of Akali Dal president Sant Harchand Singh Longowal and other senior Dal leaders are likely only after a political decision in this regard is taken by the Centre.
On Army in Tripura
The differences between Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the state Chief Minister over the deployment of Army in Tripura to control extremists are rather marked, with both holding opposite views on the matter. While Mrs Gandhi at her press conference at Guwahati was critical of the Left government for opposing the deployment of Army to control the situation, Nripen Chakravorthy disagreed with her assessment of the situation.
Ram Bhoomi march
The Uttar Pradesh government is keeping its fingers crossed over the proposed march of large numbers of people from Ayodhya on October 8 to “liberate” Ram Janam Bhoomi (birth place of Lord Rama) in Lucknow. The march, organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, will start with volunteers of the “Bajrang Dal” and others pledging on October 7 with Saryu water in their hands.
