This is the front page of The Indian Express published on August 7, 1984, Forty Years Ago.
Sri Lanka Clashes
Defence Ministry sources reported the deaths of an undisclosed number of Tamil separatists and at least four policemen in two incidents in northern Sri Lanka. Two police officers and at least 20 Tamil guerillas were killed at Oddusuddan when some 60 armed separatists stormed a police station and security forces launched a counter-attack. The guerillas raided the station’s armoury.
Opposition Walkout
The entire opposition walked out of Lok Sabha twice to protest against the introduction of two bills, the National Security Bill, 1984, and the Terrorist Affected Areas (special courts) Bill, 1984, which seek to replace the Ordinances previously proclaimed by the government. Claiming that the two pieces of legislation were “draconian laws”, an opposition spokesman said they doubted the government’s intentions in introducing such bills.
PM-Akali Talks
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi said the offer of referring the demands of the Akalis to tribunals was still open except for those related to other states. Mrs Gandhi said the resumption of talks with the Akalis depended on “their mood”. She said the government had offered to set up a tribunal to decide on the Akali claims but “they insisted that we accept the Anandpur Sahib resolution.”
Madras Airport Blast
The government evaded answering questions on the “negligence” of officials in relation to the explosion at Madras airport that killed 29 persons and injured 38. Minister of State for Tourism and Civil Aviation Khursheed Alam Khan said that though the explosion occurred at 10:50 pm, senior officials knew of the anonymous call at 9:50 which had warned that two suitcases contained explosives.
