NEW DELHI: The Indian Government, headed by Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi, today [June 26] arrested all top Opposition leaders. … Two leading critics in her own ruling Congress Party [were also arrested]. Among the arrested were also a number of newspaper editors. Total censorship has been imposed. … All communications with outside world were cut off as Opposition leaders were arrested in an early dawn swoop. … The President of Indian Union, Mr Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed … proclaimed a state of emergency at 7 a.m. today, saying India’s security was menaced by “internal disturbances”. …

Mrs Gandhi … in a broadcast to the nation … accused her opponents of fomenting “separatist feelings to encourage the Armed Forces to revolt” against her Government. … …[I]t is not known today how the Indian Armed Forces felt about latest development. … …[A]ll police forces in the capital are on a state of alert. … …[A]n Information Ministry spokesman said all news items would have to be submitted to the Government before publication. He did not elaborate, but said rules were being framed. … …[B]BC correspondent … Mark Tully said the proclamation was announced shortly after an emergency Cabinet meeting.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2025