09-07-2025
July 9, 1985, Forty Years Ago: Emergency Threat
Several opposition leaders have interpreted the PM's press conference remarks about the Emergency as a threat that it might be reimposed. Leaders of the Janata Party, the BJP and the Lok Dal expressed shock at the PM's remarks and declared that they would mobilise the people against such dictatorial trends. The BJP president, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said he was shocked to read the PM's statement that the Emergency was justified.
Akalis Ignore Centre
The Akali Dal (L) has ignored the Centre's overtures for talks and has said the government must 'rectify its mistakes' leading to excesses against Sikhs, if it wanted to solve the Punjab problem. The 'mistakes' would be rectified if the government accepted the party's demands to normalise the situation, Harchand Singh Longowal, party president, G S Tohra, president of the SGPC, and Parkash Singh Badal, former CM, said.
Sri Lanka Talks Start
The first-ever negotiations between the Sri Lankan government and the militant Tamil groups, along with the TULF, started at the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu. The talks were of a preliminary nature and held in a 'relaxed and friendly atmosphere'. They were characterised by 'mutual understanding and accommodation', a press release said.
Industrial Safety
Proprietors of industries termed hazardous will now face 'compulsory imprisonment' as penalty for violation of safety regulations. A decision to this effect has been taken by the Centre following recommendation of the Labour Secretaries and Labour Ministers Conference held in New Delhi recently. It has now been communicated to state governments and Union Territories.
