Veer Bahadur Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He succeeded Narayan Datt Tiwari after his unanimous election by the Congress-I Legislature Party. Singh said that a small-sized team would be sworn-in a day later but did not indicate the number.
Anti-defection Rules
The long-awaited rules under the anti-defection law have been finalised. Disqualification proceedings against any member should come in the form of a petition in the House. After the petition has been moved, the Chairman or Speaker of the House can reject or act upon it, and in case of a doubt, the matter can be referred to the privileges committee of the House.
Zia’s Indemnity Bill
Almost all of Pakistan’s Opposition leaders were placed under house arrest in Lahore in an unprecedented crackdown by the police to prevent discussion on a controversial government amendment to the country’s Constitution. The 11-party Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) had planned an emergency session to work out a common policy if the national assembly adopts President Mohammed Ziaul Haq’s eighth amendment, named the “indemnity bill”. The bill, besides giving cover to the eight-year military rule of General Zia, will also validate all his martial law orders, regulations and military court verdicts, and reinforce his own position following the December 19 referendum and the non-party elections in March, which the MRD boycotted.
Attack in Sri Lanka
In a major violation of the ceasefire, Tamil militants launched a “massive attack” on Kilinochchi police station in north Sri Lanka, National Security Minister Lalith Athulathmudali said. He told a news conference that nine security personnel sustained burn injuries, while three militants manning a mortar were killed when security forces opened fire on their positions from helicopters.
