The Punjab government ordered the release of 224 NSA detainees, including Amarjit Kaur of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha. Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala said the number of persons still detained under the NSA was nine. A high-level committee will be set up to review the remaining cases. The committee will also review the cases of those who had been convicted.
Mann Still Detained
The nine persons who are not covered by the Punjab government order revoking the detention of 224 persons under the National Security Act (NSA) include Simranjit Singh Mann, convenor of the United Akali Dal, and Jasbir Singh, nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. According to informed sources, the remaining seven against whom the NSA continues to be operative have been detained for spying and espionage activity.
PM in Bhutan
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi underlined the need to develop a relationship of trust with neighbours in the “national interest” and with “the objective of resisting big-power politics”. Addressing the 156-member Gyalyong Tshogdu (national assembly of Bhutan), Rajiv Gandhi pointed out that global policies of big powers were increasing tensions in various regions and fomenting distrust. As members of the Non-Aligned Movement, both Bhutan and India had, therefore, been emphasising the need for mutual trust between neighbours.
USSR for Arms Cuts
The Soviet Union presented a proposal to US arms negotiators calling for mutual cuts of up to 50 per cent in superpower nuclear arsenals if the US abandons its Star Wars programme. The Soviet Union started tabling “drastic solutions” on problems being discussed at the nuclear and space weapon control talks with the US. US chief negotiator Max Kampleman was cautious in answering questions.
