This is the front page of The Indian Express published on October 30, 1984.
PM-Farooq Rift
The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, categorically stated that he would not compromise with PM Indira Gandhi or G M Shah’s National Conference. Addressing a press conference at the Sher-i-Kashmir Bhavan, he said that “intermediaries” had approached him and were still doing so in the hope of bringing about a reconciliation with Mrs Gandhi but he had made it clear there could be no rapprochement.
Jharia Coalfields Fire
An underground fire has been raging in a 15 sq km area of the Jharia coalfields of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), endangering millions of tonnes of coking coal and several townships The fire has posed immediate danger to at least one township — Lodna — which has a hospital, coke plants, and two pits besides residential blocks.
Bhakra Power Issue
Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir have been told not to expect any special assistance in the supply of power from the Bhakra system during the period November 1984 to May 1985. The Bhakra Beas Management Board is understood to have proposed to the Centre that these areas should be linked to other central agencies for their assistance and be allotted power from the “unallocated reserve” at the disposal of the department of power.
Building Collapse
The owners of V K Towers in West Delhi, which crumbled while under construction killing five labourers, are absconding. The police had registered a case of causing death due to rash and negligent acts against the owners. Gautam Kaul, the Additional Commissioner of Police Range, said the police were looking for the five directors of V K Towers.
