Opinion 40 years ago January 5, 1986: Opposition forum for action
This is the front page of The Indian Express published on January 5, 1986.
This is the front page of The Indian Express published on January 5, 1986. Eleven regional and two national political parties have decided to forge a “suitable forum” for discussions and action on various problems and issues confronting the states and the nation. Interpreted by observers as a step towards forming a national alternative to the Congress-I ultimately, the shape, scope and name of the forum are to be decided at the next meeting. The understanding was reached among the leaders of the Janata party, Congress-S, Akali Dal, and DMK, among others.
Centre on violence in Punjab
While the Centre is prepared to go all out to help the Punjab government revive the state economy, it is adopting a tough stand on the issue of law and order. The Centre has already expressed its serious concern to the Punjab Chief Minister, Surjit Singh Barnala, over continued violence in the state. The Punjab situation is expected to be reviewed at the highest level. It is felt that the present Akali ministry has not been able to cope with the situation.
Superpowers n-missile pact
The United States and the Soviet Union appear to be reaching a de facto limitation of their immediate nuclear forces as a step to “temporary agreement” they both want. The limitation seems to concern the number of nuclear missile launchers each side has on European territories.
On Pakistan and US arms
Pakistan’s proposal to acquire sophisticated electronic weaponry from the United States at a cost of Rs 410 crore poses no threat to India, the chief of Army Staff, Gen A S Vaidya, has said. To a question, he said “one can’t claim without proof that neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China helped terrorists in Punjab with arms, though weapons with Chinese and Pakistani markings were recovered from the Golden Temple complex after Operation Bluestar.”
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