40 years ago September 23, 1986: Labour panel split

On September 23, 1986, a Labour panel convened in New Delhi to deliberate on proposals aimed at restructuring the industrial relations and dispute settlement system. The meeting was far from unanimous, with the Congress (I)-led INTUC and employers’ associations backing the initiative, while central trade unions from opposition parties voiced their dissent.

The AITUC representative, Homi Daji, expressed that the proposals would result in an "regimentation of the workforce", a point vehemently opposed by the AITUC, CITU, BMS, and UTUC (S).

The controversy surrounding the proposals was not just limited to the central trade unions. Boy killed in police firing in Bombay added fuel to the fire, as a two-year-old was killed when stray bullets hit a crowd during a police round to disperse an unruly mob. The incident took place in Musafirkhana, where hawkers began attacking customs and civic officials after a raid aimed at seizing smuggled goods.

Meanwhile, in the sporting arena, Soma Dutta added a medal to India's tally at the Asian Games, winning a bronze in the women's air rifle event. However, the joy was short-lived, as India drew 1-1 with South Korea in a Group A hockey match. The South Korean underdogs, known for their surprise victories, managed to equalize, bringing a bittersweet note to India's performance.

In the cricket world, a nail-biting tie in a Test match was sealed, with both teams ending the innings level. With one ball left, the result remained uncertain, with all three possibilities still in play - a win for India, a draw, or a tie. Maninder Singh, playing as number 11, was ready to face the final ball, the crowd anxiously holding its breath.