Fifty-three years ago today, on March 24th, 1972 (February 10th, 1972 in the lunar calendar), Britain forced Northern Ireland to accept its direct rule. Molotov bombs burned in Belfast On March 24, 1972, British Prime Minister Heath took a series of dramatic steps to stop the renewed sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. He suspended the powers of local government and parliament, and imposed direct rule over the disturbed areas. William-Whitelaw was appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. An additional 4,000 British soldiers were put into Level 1 combat readiness. 15,000 British troops are already stationed in Northern Ireland. Protestant leaders denounced Heath's actions as surrendering to "terrorist atrocities". Catholics applauded the abolition of local government controlled by Protestants. Heath took action this week after two high-powered bombs exploded in the central Belfast area. Monday's explosion in the business district was the worst in 30 months. The explosion occurred during the day, killing six people. Seventy people were wounded in an explosion in the parking lot of the railway station on Wednesday.