Poland’s communist leaders declared that the independent trade union Solidarity had pushed the country to the brink of civil war, declared a state of emergency, and instituted military rule on 13 December. The head of the Solidarity Union, Lech Walesa, held high-level talks with the Communists. A government spokesman said officials gave this information a few hours after the state of emergency was declared. “Walesa has not been arrested or placed under house arrest,” he said. “He is being treated with full respect. He is considered the head of solidarity and solidarity activities have simply been suspended.” In an emotional announcement, the party’s leader and prime minister, General Wojciech Jaruzelski, said that other solidarity officials, former communist leaders and dissidents were rounded up and placed under house arrest.The communist rulers also suspended a wide range of civil liberties.
Morarji’s offer
Former Prime Minister Morarji Desai offered to lead a nationwide non-cooperation movement against Congress(I) “misrule” and sought people’s cooperation in this venture. Speaking at a public meeting organized by the Janata Party in Ahmedabad soon after the end of the session of the National Council, Desai said that he can sacrifice his life for democracy and clean public life. Referring to the party’s decision to forge opposition unity, he insisted that the Janata Party would not break again if different parties came together. Desai said care would be taken in the party while admitting those who brought it down. Desai advised the people not to get disheartened by the deteriorating political situation but to face it courageously.
Bengal cyclone
The death toll in the cyclonic storm that hit parts of Sunderbans and Midnapore districts of 24 Parganas district on Thursday has now risen to 95, as more casualties were being reported on December 13. Returning from his journey in the devastated areas, 24-Parganas District Magistrate Ranu Ghosh told UNI that he feared that the death toll could be even higher.
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