Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Sikh religion's background considered; Indira Gandhi noted assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.
REPORTER: Peter Jennings

(London, England) Reaction among Sikhs internationally to Gandhi's murder examined; films shown. [Gurpartap Singh BIRK - considers Gandhi equal to Hitler.] Sikhs' historical and cultural role in India discussed; current President Zail Singh mentioned Sikh. Recent terrorist movement director by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from Sikh temple and Indian army's takeover reviewed. [June, GANDHI - defs. storming Sikh temple.] Probability that Gandhi's assassination was retaliation for temple affair noted.
REPORTER: Barrie Dunsmore

(Studio) Report introduced
REPORTER: Peter Jennings

(DC) Reactions to Gandhi's assassination by President Reagan, Secretary of State George Shultz, Prime Min. Margaret Thatcher and others examined. [REAGAN, THATCHER - express their regrets.] [State Department spokesperson John HUGHES - considers USSR allegation that United States was involved in the assassination rubbish.] Gandhi's rel. with USSR and United States recalled; recent indications of increase tension between India and Pakistan described. [Pakistan President)ZIA ul-Haq - praises Gandhi.] Indian officials said believing Pakistan was indirectly involved in the assassination by its support of Sikh terrorists.
REPORTER: John McWethy

(Studio) State Department reported advising Americans not to travel to India until situation there settles.
REPORTER: Peter Jennings