This is the front page of The Indian Express published on September 25, 1984, Forty Years Ago.
Negotiations on the Golden Temple complex issue appear to be nearing a solution as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had a second meeting with President Zail Singh in the last three days. Home Minister P V Narasimha Rao was also present. Over 30 Punjab Congress (I) MLAs pled with them that the Golden Temple complex should be handed over to the high priests and the Army withdrawn.
For Peace In Region
The Prime Minister stressed the need for increased vigilance in the Indian Ocean in view of the changing security environment around India. Inaugurating the annual senior naval officers’ conference, the Prime Minister warned that the situation in the Indian Ocean was not one of mere confrontation between the superpowers. The presence of other nations’ navies did not augur well for the peace and stability of the region.
Historic Resolution
Probably for the first time in the history of the state, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet adopted a resolution against former Governor Ram Lal. The Cabinet expressed “deep sorrow and concern” over Ram Lal’s action in having ignored the advice of the council of ministers tendered to him on August 15 to summon the Legislative Assembly three days later.
US Changes Tune
US President, Ronald Reagan, who had not long ago denounced the Soviet Union as an “evil empire” signalled a flexibility in US’s attitude towards Moscow by announcing his readiness to enter into “constructive negotiations” with the Soviets. “We recognise that there is no sane alternative to negotiations on arms control…between our two nations which have the capacity to destroy civilisation as we know it,” President Reagan said.
