This is an archive article published on April 20, 2023

Opinion April 20, 1983, Forty Years Ago: Akali Talks

Though no formal invitation has been sent to the Akalis for resumption of talks, informal talks have started through CPM leader, Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Balwant Singh, who was the main spokesman of the Akalis at the tripartite talks, drove straight to Surjeet’s house for consultation.

Akali Talks, Pakistan Buys craft, Krishna Agreement, Beirut Blast, American Grumman Mohawk aircraft, Indian express, Opinion, Editorial, Current Affairs

Balwant Singh said he was asked by Surjeet to come to Delhi for urgent consultations.

April 20, 2023 06:14 AM IST First published on: Apr 20, 2023 at 06:14 AM IST

Though no formal invitation has been sent to the Akalis for resumption of talks, informal talks have started through CPM leader, Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Balwant Singh, who was the main spokesman of the Akalis at the tripartite talks, drove straight to Surjeet’s house for consultation. Balwant Singh said he was asked by Surjeet to come to Delhi for urgent consultations.

Pakistan Buys craft

Pakistan is acquiring sophisticated electronic intelligence surveillance aircraft which will help it keep more than 160 km into Indian territory while flying inside Pakistan airspace. The Pakistan Air Force is now evaluating the American Grumman Mohawk aircraft which is considered effective for battlefield surveillance and for maritime reconnaissance.

Krishna Agreement

The long-awaited agreement for supply of drinking water from the Krishna river to Madras city was signed by the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in Hyderabad. Besides transportation by an open channel of 15 TMC of water to Madras, the accord also envisages bringing under irrigation 5.75 lakh acres of area along the 500-km channel within Andhra Pradesh. While the 15 TMC is to be contributed equally, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh will utilise water for irrigation from its own share.

Beirut Blast

US officials said on Tuesday that 47 people were killed or presumed dead in the car bombing of the American embassy in Beirut. Embassy spokesman John Reid said eight Americans were confirmed killed and eight other Americans were missing and presumed dead at the devastated embassy premises.