August 15, 1984, Forty Years Ago: This is the front page of The Indian Express published on August 16, 1984, Forty Years Ago.
Sri Lankan soldiers were responsible for the burning of 123 shops in Mannar town, the Transport Minister M H Mohammed told the Cabinet. Cabinet spokesman Anandatissa de Alwis said that residents who lost their property during the rampage would receive up to Rs 50,000 in compensation.
PM On I-Day
The Prime Minister, Mrs Indira Gandhi, expressed grave concern over the attacks on Tamils in Sri Lanka, and extended her “full and heartfelt sympathy” to them. She declared that India was keeping close watch on the developments in the island. In her rather off-colour Independence Day address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the PM pointed out that continued violence in the island had caused further deterioration in the situation in India’s neighbourhood.
Akali Dal Protest
Terrorists set fire to seven school buildings in Jalandhar district coinciding with the protest call given by the Akali Dal against Army operation. There were reports of the appearance of Khalistan posters in some places and Khalistan flags being hoisted in several towns. The Akalis observed a black day. Some Sikh teachers of Panjab University went to the Independence day celebrations in black turbans and dupattas.
Governor Resigns
A P Sharma has resigned from the office of Governor of West Bengal. The resignation was accepted. Sharma told PTI that the acceptance of the resignation was not communicated to him from New Delhi. He said he would file the nomination papers for election to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar in the seat vacated by Bhisma Narayan Singh, who was appointed Governor of Assam.
