This is the front page of The Indian Express published on June 25, 1984, Forty Years Ago.
Following the arrest of Shiv Sena leader, Madhukar Sarpotdar under the NSA, the army was deployed in several sensitive areas across Bombay, on June 24. Sarpotdar was arrested due to an “inflammatory speech” made in public, after which many protestors surrounded the Kherwadi police station, calling for the Shiv Sena leader’s release.
Akali Plans
With the Golden Temple cordoned off, Shaheedon ka Gurudwara has become the site for discussions about the future plans of the Akali Dal and the SPGC, with important Sikh leaders like the present Akali chief and SPGC president setting up temporary offices in the neighbourhood. Several sewadars arrested at the Golden Temple, are also staying there after their release. The Akali and SPGC leaders are scheduled to formally meet on June 29 to discuss their future roadmap.
Attack by Iran
On June 24, Iraq announced that its naval and air forces attacked four large naval bases, located south of the Kharg island in the Gulf. The Iraqi spokesperson claimed that the attack was made to strengthen Iraq’s blockade on Kharg island — its primary oil terminal. More than 20 vessels have been attacked in the Gulf since the year began — by either Iran or Iraq, as hostilities continue between the two warring states.
Priest Killed
A temple priest, Sita Ram, was murdered by unidentified individuals at Gardhiwala in Hoshiarpur district on the night of June 24. Meanwhile, security forces shot dead an alleged extremist and apprehended four others, during clashes with security personnel at Bhurewal village in the Tarn Taran area of Amritsar district.
