This is the front page of The Indian Express published on August 13, 1984, Forty Years Ago.
At least 19 suspected Tamil extremists were killed when a massive explosion brought down the one-storeyed Chunnakam police station building, near Sri Lanka’s Jaffna town. The explosion occurred when a group of militants went to the police station to rescue some of the Tamil youths arrested during security operations. The sources said a booby trap triggered the explosion when rescuers attempted to break into the police station.
PM Commends Pak
Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi, has congratulated the Pakistani President Zia-ul Haq on Pakistan’s winning the Olympic gold medal for hockey. In a message Mrs Gandhi said: “Your hockey team played well”. ‘’People of India join me in congratulating Pakistan on its winning the Olympic gold medal.”
UK-India Ties
The British Government has decided not to take any action against Jagjit Singh Chauhan, self-styled leader of so-called Khalistan, for his inflammatory statements against the Indian leader which evoked strong protests in India. A statement by Chauhan on BBC Radio was considered by the Indian Government to be an incitement to violence against PM Indira Gandhi and her family. It was condemned in Indian Parliament where a demand for breaking off diplomatic ties with Britain was made a few days ago.
No ‘War’ On States
The Union Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, said that all recommendations of the Eighth Finance Commission had been accepted, but by not implementing them this year the centre was not “pocketing” any money due to the states. Explaining the non-implementation, he said it was too late and would involve many financial adjustments.
