Wrangling Over Chandigarh's Future in 1986
Forty years ago, on January 19, 1986, The Indian Express front page highlighted ongoing negotiations about Chandigarh's proposed transfer to Punjab. Discussions between Union Home Ministry officials and Punjab government representatives revealed a potential complication. Some outer areas of Chandigarh city might not go to Punjab on January 26, the scheduled date for the transfer.
Language Survey Completion and Security Measures
Authorities completed a crucial language survey in all 54 villages of Fazilka and Muktsar tehsils. This step was essential before finalizing transfer arrangements, pending the Mathew Commission report. Enumerators finished the survey in villages including Kandukhera under joint protection from Assam Rifles and Punjab Police personnel.
Rechecking of the survey also concluded in the adjoining village of Bazidpur. State government officials successfully prevented a clash between two groups there, ensuring the process remained peaceful.
Indo-Pakistan Talks on Nuclear Installations
During wide-ranging talks, India and Pakistan exchanged draft agreements pledging not to attack each other's nuclear installations. Indian Foreign Secretary Romesh Bhandari, visiting Pakistan, raised serious concerns about Pakistan's attitude towards terrorist activities in Punjab. He discussed this issue directly with his Pakistani counterpart, emphasizing New Delhi's worries.
Soviet Union's Push for Nuclear Disarmament
The Soviet Union announced plans to activate the entire system of existing negotiations at Geneva, Vienna, and Stockholm. Their goal was moving toward the liquidation of all nuclear arms on Earth within 15 years. However, Soviet officials acknowledged that reaching accords with the Americans would be neither quick nor easy.
Leonid Zamyatin, spokesman for the Communist Party, specifically noted the US Defence Secretary's statements. The US official said there would be no change in the "Star Wars" programme and that a nuclear weapons test moratorium was unacceptable. This highlighted the challenges in achieving global disarmament.
