MAY 11, 1984, FORTY YEARS AGO

SIKH LEADER SHOT

FORMER AKAL TAKHT chief Giani Pratap Singh was assassinated at Amritsar, two violent Nihangs were killed and another two were captured near Abohar in Ferozepur district as authorities claimed success in nabbing two more alleged terrorists besides recovering arms and ammunition. Giani Pratap Singh, who held the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs in the ‘60s, was shot dead by three young boys who were regular visitors to his home.

USSR’S PEACE PLEDGE

SOVIET PRESIDENT KONSTANTIN Chernenko pledged not to use nuclear weapons against countries which have renounced the production and acquisition of such weapons and do not have them on their territory. At a dinner hosted in honour of the visiting King of Spain, Juan Carlos, Chernenko expressed the Soviet Union’s conviction that observance of peaceful relations between nuclear powers and a firm commitment to giving up the first strike option would help strengthen peace.

NATIONAL FILM AWARDS

THE NATIONAL FILM scene has now been made truly national with the selection of Adi Shankaracharya — the first-ever feature film in Sanskrit — as the best feature film of 1983 by the 31st National Film Festival jury. Om Puri has been adjudged best actor for Ardh Satya. Actress Shabana Azmi has bagged the best actress award for the second time for Khandar.

INDIA-US TALKS

WHILE NO DRAMATIC developments are expected during US Vice President George Bush’s visit, his talks with PM Indira Gandhi will be wide-ranging, covering bilateral relations and issues of regional and global concern. The Prime Minister is certain to raise several issues concerning Washington’s policies in South Asia, particularly regarding Pakistan.