This is the front page of The Indian Express published on October 24, 1984.
Head Priests vs Govt
Two rounds of prolonged talks between Sikh head priests and the government representatives failed to sort out the controversy of the Nihang chief of Buddha Dal, Baba Santa Singh’s intention to visit Akal Takht to offer prayers on Diwali. The government representatives, however, reached an agreement with both the parties on maintaining law and order on the occasion.
US Backs India
After two days of talks with the Indian government, the US Assistant Secretary of State, Richard Murphy, came out with a statement “reiterating” the US conviction that India has no intention of attacking Pakistan. Murphy’s statement was apparently aimed at assuaging Indian anger over the statement by the US Ambassador in Pakistan, Deane R Hinton, portraying India as a potential aggressor.
India-Mauritius Talks
India assured all possible assistance to Mauritius in its development activity and agreed to enlarge areas of co-operation such as education, culture, technology, technical know-how and health. India’s keen interest in the overall progress of Mauritius was conveyed to the Mauritian Prime Minister, Anerood Jugnauth, when he called on the visiting Indian President, Zail Singh.
Janata Split
The Janata Party unit in Bihar split vertically with majority of legislators and MPs owing allegiance to Karpoori Thakur, favouring entry into the newly formed Dalit Mazdoor Kisan Party (DMKP), headed by Charan Singh. The resolution adopted at the residence of Thakur authorised him to take a final decision on the evolution of a national alternative in the context of Opposition unity, preservation of democracy and national interest.
