Morning News ::. December 03,1971

The Indian thrust were supported by the armoured regiments besides Divisional and corps Artillery. The Indian Air Force twice came in support of the ground attack.

The Indian thrust were the most serious since the out-break of present IndoPakistan hostilities.

Yesterday's Indian offensive was reported from Pachagarh-Boda area, north of Thakurgaon Bantara, South of Dinajpur, Bhurungamari in Rangpur, Kamalpur in Mymensingh, Shamshernagar in Sylhet, Akhaura in Comilla and from three points along eastern border of Chittagong Hill Tracks.

The main Indian attack was launched in a division strength in Pachagarh area. 71 Indian mountain Brigade, supported by 63 cavalry, which is equipped with latest Russian T-55 tanks, spear headed the trust on Pachagarh-Boda axix while 66 Mountain Brigade supported by 69 Armoured Regiment followed the Pachagarh Ruhia axis. The 3rd Indian Brigade stayed near Islampur, west, of Boda, fully poised to strike on call.

Air support

The Indian Air Force came twice in close support of ground attack. Fierce fighting was continuing near Boda as the last reports came in.

Another Indian Brigade, identified as 165 Brigade, attacked Southern border area of Dinajpur near Atrai river One battalion each supported by a squadron of tanks advanced along the eastern and western banks of the river. Both the advances were halted as the invaders were pinned down in pitch battle.

The other major Indian trust came from Agartala side directed against Akhoura in Comilla district. The attacks was launched with two Brigades 311 Indian Brigade advanced on the main Akhura-Agartala axis while 61 Indian Brigade came from the north, on Nasirnagar-Singerbill axis. The attack was supported by the 5th Indian armoured squadron equipped with PT-76 tanks. After fierce fighting, the main thrust is reported to have been blunted.

The other two battalion wheeled to the north and the south with the intention to converge on Shamshernagar. Serious fighting was continuing near Sham she Fn agar till last reports came in an independent armoured squadron supported the brigade attack.

India Launched a battalion attack, supported by a squadron of tanks, near Bhurungamari in Rangpur district and a two-battalion attack in the east and west of Kamalpur in Mymensingh district. The attacks in both the districts have been checked. This was the sixth Indian attack in Kamalpur area.

Three battalion of an unidentified Indian brigade crossed into the thicklyforested area of Chittagong Hill Trackts. One of the battalions was identified as Gurkha. They were making probing attacks near Nalbunia, Damagiri - Chhta Harina and Jalanipara areas along the eastern border. All the three battalions have been successfully contained and the situation is fully under control.

The whole day, reports of fighting continued to pour in from almost all the fronts. The enemy has suffered heavy casualties in yesterday's fighting. The exact losses are being assessed.

23 killed

A report from Rawalpindi adds: Twenty-three Indian soldiers were killed in fresh fighting during the last 24 hours in and along East Pakistan borders as India continued to bring heavy re-inforcements on all sectors," an official spokesman said here on Thursday afternoon.

He said among the Indian casualties included north and south of Comilla five. Goyan in Sylhet sector two, Shamshernagar in Sylhet 12 and Haluaghat in Mymensingh district four.

The spokesman said two fresh points were under Indian attack during the last 24 hours. These included Darsana in Kushtia and Shamshernagar in Sylhet.

Replying to another question the official spokesman said that the Indians tried to open two new fronts, one at Darsana in Kushtia district and the other at Shamshernagar in Sylhet district, but their moves were blunted by the Pakistan army.

In Jibannagar of Jessore district, the spokesman said, the enemy constantly shelled Pakistani positions around Khalishpur. Fresh Indian troops have arrived in this area and the enemy is trying to advance towards darsana in the Kushtia district, he added.

The spokesman said that Darsana was earlier attacked from the west by an Indian regular-battalion. Heavy fighting is taking place there, the spokesman added.

The spokesman said that in the Sylhet area the enemy is building heavy pressure all along the northern border. The enemy shelled the Pakistan positions at Gayain and has stepped up patrolling of the area.

In one of the patrol clashes, two Indian soldiers were killed, the spokesman said.

Replying to question, the spokesman said that having suffered severe casualties at Kamalpur in the Mymensingh district on November 30, the enemy had extended his activities all along Pakistan borders in this district.

Some fresh troops have also arrived in this area and probing activities continue to increase. The spokesman said that one of the enemy patrol parties was ambushed west of Haluaghat area. Four Indians soldiers were killed and some automatic weapons were recovered by Pakistan troops, the spokesman added.

The spokesman said Indian partrolling has also considerably increased both north and south of Comilla. In a patrol clash yesterday five Indian soldiers were killed and Pakistan troops recovered some automatic weapons.

In the past two days, fresh troops, probably elements of a new Indian division, were seen in this area. A Dagra battalion has already been identified. the spokesman added.

Answering another question, the spokesman said the Shamshernagar airport is very much under our control. He said that the airport is 4,000 yards away from the border. Samshernagar the spokesman said, "is admittedly under shelling."

About the shelling by the Pakistan Army, across the border, the spokesman said we are obeying Government orders. We do not shell other side of the border we do not shell the civillian."

To another question, the spokesman said that ten divisions of Indian army were deployed along the border and added that the quantum of fighting over the past days almost remains the same.

The spokesman said that up in Pachhagarh area of Dinajpur district an enemy battalion supported by tanks and artillery tried to advance towards Boda.

Fierce fighting is taking place here and the enemy is reported to have advanced a few hundred yards. The enemy is also exterting pressure south of Dinajpur in Bentara area.

Heavy enemy concentration has been reported from Kurigram area in the, Rangpur district, the spokesman added.

According to the latest reports the Indians have launched a two-brigade attack in Kasba, Akhaura in the Brahmanbaria area, it was officially stated in Rawalpindi yesterday.

The attack is supported by tanks, a medium and field artillary. Fighting is going on in this area, details are availed.

There has been strong evidence of offensive enemy build up on this area over the last several shelling of Kasba area and Saldanadi have already appeared.

Even before November 22 that is the launching of its present major offensive, India had made several attacks in this area at battalion lend. It was in this area Than an enemy battalion, 19 Punjab, suffered heavy casulties.

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Governor's B'cast today

East Pakistan Governor, Dr. A.M. Malik will address the people of' east Pakistan today at 8.15 pm. from Radio Pakistan, Dacca reports APP.

The Governor's address will be relayed by all the stations in East Pakistan.

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US officials disturbed

Washington (UPI): US officials are disturbed over India's demands that Pakistan withdraw all her troops from East Pakistan.

Officials here have expressed disappointment also that Indian Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi has not accepted the US Goverment appeal for both India and Pakistan to withdraw troops from border areas and halt fighting.

Mrs. Gandhi made a unilateral demand in a speech in parliament on Tuesday that all Pakistan forces in East Pakistan be withdrawn on grounds they are a threat to the security of 'India.

"She is asking the Pakistan Government to withdraw troops from its own territory," one high ranking US official said yesterday.

The official said such moves only intensify the tension on the sub-continent and increase the possibility of war between India and Pakistan instead of reducing it.

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Troops withdrawal: India's demand preposterous, says Shahi

United Nations (APP): Pakistan yesterday rejected the Indian demand for troops withdrawal from East Pakistan as "preposterous."

Asked to comment on the Indian premier, Mrs. Indira Gandhi's statement in upper House Tuesday, that Pakistan Army should withdraw from east Pakistan as a gesture of Peace,: Ambasador Agha Shahi told New York television audience. ''It is an extraordinary demand. East Pakistan is an integral part of Pakistan Nobody can stop us from defending our territory."

He then posed a counter question: If the United states was asked to withdraw its troops from Hawai and Alaska, would she do it, saying that there was no meeting of minds between the Indian and Pakistani positions. The interviewer asked him how would the problem be settled, Ambassador Shahi said Indian should vacate its aggression in East Pakistan.

About prospects of the security Council meeting to discuss India Pakistan situation, he said the Council was seized of the matter and that behind the scene consultations were going on.

If the Security council does not act then it would be adulting its duty to maintain peace-it is the duty of the security council to get India to vacate her aggression on Pakistan.

At the daily briefing, the UN spokesman was closely questioned on the progress towards a Security Council meeting as the fighting in East Pakistan coupled with Mrs. Gandhi's statement about Pakistani troop withdrawal provided sufficient grounds.

The spokesman, William Powell, said he had not heard of any formal move to covene the security council. But he said, he was aware of consultations towards that end among Security council members.

Questioned whether President Yahya Khan's letter to Secretary General U Thant asking for stationing UN observer force in fact meant that the Security Council be convened, the spokesman replied, "if Pakistan wanted a security council meeting. She would have addressed the letter direct to the president of Security Council."

Meanwhile delegates here appeared gravely concerned about the Indian premier's demand for Pakistani troop withdrawal.

They left that it was yet another step towards recognition by India of the so-called Bangla Desh which would precipitate the situation.

The Indians, on the other hand, were seen engaged in intense lobbying to wreck the possibility of a security Council meeting.

No Parallel

Another report adds: Pakistani told the UN Assembly's Special Political Committee today that there was no parallel between Palestine refugees and the people displaced for East Pakistan.

Replying to the Indian representative during the debate on the United Nations relief and works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Nearest, Pakistan's Delegate, Mr. Khaqa Babar, said the people from East Pakistan had not been "uprooted from their home by usurpers" as is the casewith people of Palestine.

Secondly, he said, Pakistan was not denying their right to return to their homes. On the contrary it was anxious for them to do so. There was a total contrast between the two cases in this regard, Pakistan's delegate added.

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Bhutto rules out any coalition with U.C.P.

Pashawar (APP): Mr. Z.A. Bhutto, Chairman of the Pakistan People's Party, here today spurned the speculations in the press that he had agreed on the question of coalition with the United Coalition Party.

When his attention was drawn to the Press Reports, after he finished reading out the resolution adopted by his party's central committee Mr. Bhutto, who was in a hurry equipped 'see my resolution'. How can I agree with the joint stock company (obviously referring to the United coalition Party).

Later, Mr. Bhutto drove to Manki Sharif, to attend the 'Walima' of the brother of Mr. Nasrullah Khattak, an ex-MNA. He will drive to Rawalpindi from there.

Warning to India

Another report adds: Mr. Bhutto, warned India for her, military adventure against Pakistan and said the Pakistanis were determined to safeguard their freedom and sovereignty.

Addressing party workers at Manki Sharif, about 35 miles from here, Mr. Bhutto about 35 miles from here, Mr. Bhutto said that Pakistan had defended India in the past and would teach her an unforgettable lesson, if it persisted in her aggression.

He said the absence of people's government, and continuing political and economical crisis within the country had emboldened India to take advantage of our difficulties and unleash aggression. 'To NIP the Indian aggression in the bud. people's representatives should be vested with the authority of the government, he emphasised.

He said that if power was not transferred to the people, India would continue to harden its attitude towards Pakistan and the internal political and economic problems would further complicate.

Resolution

The Central Committee of the Pakistan People's Party, which met here yesterday, under the presidentship of Mr. Bhutto, demanded immediate transfer of power to the genuine representatives of the people.

The Central Committee, in its exhaustive resolution, read-out to the newsmen, by Mr. Bhutto said that only by transferring power to "where it really belongs," would it be possible to keep Pakistan together.

The resolution exhaustively dealt with the political crisis is the country and the grave situation created by the Indian aggression on the soil of Pakistan' and said, "we, who represent the people of Pakistan, are fully prepared on all fronts to face this grave situation."

The resolution said that Pakistan had suffered "gravely" on account of the delay in the transfer power. Precious time had been lost and bitterness and mistrust had been aggravated.

It asserted that the PPP had warned in March that by the end of this year the situation might reach the point of no return. Now we are in December and let the countrymen judge how close we are to brink."

The resolution said that the nation had to defend against a predatory aggressor, the nightmare of the recent past had to end, the economy had to be salvaged, the solid structure was to be frustrated nation was to be mobilised and the international situation had to be retrieved which certainly cooled not be done if the clarion cal was not given by the leadership enjoying the confidence of the people.

Indian Aggression

The resolution said, India had found time to train guerrillas, to complete international propaganda and finally to launch aggression on Pakistan." Indian threats having materialised in naked aggression, she now holds a part of our sacred territory. with scorn the Indian Prime Minister refused to talk to the military leaders.

She sparns their initiatives and threatens to annihilate our army in East Pakistan, She thinks she had placed Pakistan in such a position that she can dictate the precise terms of the political future of our country, as i1 we are already her colony." It asserts that in these circumstances any civilian Government inducted at this point of time would be inheriting a frightful legacy.

It would be taking over a heritage of years of mistakes, misgovernment, wrong policies, neglect of the people and all of the evils that were associated with corrupt administration social and economic and cruel exploitation of the masses.

The Pakistan People's Party, therefore, felt that it was beyond the capacity of a Government of puppets, presumptiously styling itself a national Government" to meet foreign aggression and deal with massive internal problems. which must be solved before the country's wounds could heal and undertake the task of putting the nation on the path of recovery and progress.

Condemning the "Shameless" contentions of what it called the "political rejects and discards" in creating hurdles in the way of the transfer of power to tile genuinely elected representatives of the people, the resolution said that these elements attached to the abominable status "were used as mouth pieces" by the vested interests to proclaim that the peoples aspirations condensed in the demand for transfer of power was an act of "treason" and that the PPP was merely hankering after power, basing their plea that the Indian threat and the grave situation in East Pakistan did no make it possible for the military regime to transfer power to the genuinely elected representatives of the people. But today with the situation in East Pakistan having further deteriorated and the Indian threat coverted into armed Indian threat converted into armed Indian aggression on the soil of Pakistan, these "same puppets and men of straw had now suddenly shifted their position and were screaming themselves hoarse for immediate transfer of power.

The resolution asserted that this ''complete change" in their position was not motivated by national considerations. Now they were asking for transfer of power only because by "chicanery and deceit, by fraud and manipulation in which they are pastmasters," they had formed a "bogus" cotto coalition, which it said, was nothing more than a sort of "joint stock company." they expected that power would be transfered to them and the "joint stock company," of theirs to further fatten the industrial "tycoons" and "Lackeys".

They resolution said that " components" of this "joint stock company" consisted of these "anti-people elements" who to this day could not conceal their animosity to China, The "progressives" in Eastern wing, who were singing praises of the secessionists and their incarcerated leaders, who to this day had not reconciled themselves to Pakistan and whose organisation in India was "vociferously" advocating the cause of Bangladesh.

It said that the transfer of power to such "defeated anti-people and anti-Pakistan elements" would be tantamount to "capitulation" to India and paving the way for the "second and final Tashkant."

The resolution said they were "Weather cocks" ready to compromise on any issue and to seize power in order to turn it against the people. "This has been their conduct in the past and that is why they have had a major hand in bringing Pakistan perilously close to ruin," it said.

It, however, warned that the people of Pakistan who had awakened and knew their friends and foes and patriots and traitors, would never accept such individuals as was manifest from the general elections of 1970. "The people will never accept the imposition of rejected leadership They will never dance to the tune of the puppets especially in these abnormal conditions when the nations future in at stake."

The resolution said that in this hour of trial, the supreme concern of Pakistan People's party was the defence of the motherland. "On this all other issues must depend," it said.

The central committee of the PPP, therefore, pledged "totalsupport" to the people of Pakistan in defence of the country, integrity and independence. "We dedicate and commit the fullest resources of the party to mobilise and harness the will and determination of the people of fight and defeat the aggressor. Pakistan would flourish for its people were determined to end exploitation and build a "people's Pakistan. This new Pakistan would soon come into being to be at the service of the people and at the command of the justice and equality.

"We salute our brave people.. They know we are with them... They know that whatever the vissicitudes, we shall achieve final victory as we have faith in our cause and know that Allah is with us," the resolution concluded.

Referring to the Indian aggression on the borders of Pakistan, the resolution said that war had been thrust upon us. The enemy had launched an invasion of the East Wing and has massed its forces threateningly on the West Wing borders and the aim of the aggressor as to break up Pakistan.

The resolution said that the aggression against any part of our beloved country was the aggression against the entire people of Pakistan, "We are no intimidated either by his size or by his chauvanism," it added.

The resolution declared that the people of Pakistan would never let the sacrifices of their fathers and mothers, their brothers and sisters, in creating Pakistan go to nought "Pakistan will remain.. Pakistan can never die... it is build by the blood and toil of the innocent million who under the indomitable leadership of the Quaid-eAzam, brave untold miseries and hazards to carve out this largest Muslim State in the World Pakistan will remain and progress because it is built on a self evident truth."

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US decision establishes Pak stand

Islamabad (APP): The United States decision to stop arms supplies to India has established Pakistan's stand about Indian military involvement in East Pakistan, an official spokesman said today.

This has been Pakistan's position all along that India was directly involved in the aggression, the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, observers here have described the US decision as an appreciable chane in the Big powers assessment of Indo-Pakistan situation, they expressed the hope that the Soviet Union would also make a correct appraisal of Indo-Pakistan situation.

The United States decision has beloved the of repeated Indian assertion that the crisis in East Pakistan was not the creation of India and should, therefore, not be considered as a dispute between India and Pakistan the observers said.

Meanwhile, it was reliably learnt here today that president Nixon's six-member team to make on-the-spot assessment, of the situation is scheduled to arrive here on December 1 1. according to its original programme. At least no intimation about any chance in the teams programme has been received here.

The observers here do not evince much interest on the volume of ammunitions and arms stopped by the United States for India but mainly emphasis(, the recognition of Pakistan's view point, vis-a-vis India's military engagement in East Pakistan.

The attitude of the Soviet Union, although causing much anxiety here has not so for evoked bitterness in Islamabad. Despite reports of Soviet Union's voting any contemplated resolution in the Security Council on the Indo Pakistan situation, it is believed here that such an eventually will not arise.

It is understood that the Pakistan Government has been in constant touch with Moscow, at the highest level, about the Indian aggressive designs on Pakistan and the question of Soviet arms supply to India which has undoubtedly encouraged India to commit a naked aggression of Pakistan.

Indian Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi's altimatum asking from her own territory the Pakistan army from her own territory i.e. East Pakistan, has further added to growing anti-Indian feelings here calling for positive retaliation.

India had left no doubt that she is out to bring about disintegration of Pakistan and has been using force to achieve this object.

The observers here believe that the utterances of Indian rulers should serve as an eye-opener for those who still believe in India's pious exterion and their concern for the Pakistani displaced persons.

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UN observers: Yahya's proposal being processed in UN council

Rawalpindi (APP): President Yahya Khan's request to Secretary General U Thant asking for posting of the United Nations observers in East Pakistan is being processed in the security, Council an official spokesman said here today.

Asked at the press briefing whether the Pakistan Government was expecting a positive reply from the United Nations Secretary General to the President's proposal, the spokesman said that Thant has passed on President Yahya Khan's letter to the security Council for consideration. The action, he pointed out, was anxiously awaited here.

A foreign correspondent asked the spokesman about Pakistan Government's comments on the United States decision to stop the arms shipment to India. The spokesman said that the United States decision has established Pakistan's stand about the Indian military involvement in East Pakistan.

The spokesman said that the United States decision to stop the arms shipment to India was a welcome realisation on the part of the Big powers that India was directly involved in the military aggression on Pakistan.

Replying questions on the reported apprehensions that arms supplies were being flown to India through Karachi under the garb of relief goods, the spokesman said that a through investigation would be made to ascertain the facts.

Asked whether the Pakistan Government has received information that arms supplies were being sent to India through some of the Middle East countries including Cairo, the spokesman said that the Government did receive such reports and was trying to look into them.

A foreign correspondent asked the spokesman whether a coalition government was being formed in Pakistan, the spokesman said that a thorough investigation had so far been taken in this regard.

The spokesman replied in the negative when asked by a foreign correspondent whether the visiting US senator Mr. William B. Saxbe met SK. Mujibur Rahman. who is under detention.

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619 civilians killed by Indian Army shellings in Nov.

Rawalpindi, (APP): The total of civilians killed between November 1 and 21 by the Indian Army shelling stood at 305 killed and 513 injured, an official spokesman told a press briefing here this afternoon.

The spokesman further said that 314 civilians later killed by the Indian Army

shelling between November 21 and 30.

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Indian Armed Forces given authority to invade east Pakistan

Pekeing, (Hsinhua): Indian Government officers recently admitted that the Indian authorities had given Indian Armed Forces the authority to invade East Pakistan by crossing over the border under the pretext of self-defence, according to reports from New Delhi.

A despatch on November 20 said that in her statement of parliament Indian

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi disclosed that Indian had been given authority to cross into East Pakistan in self-defence. She indicated Indian soldiers had crossed the border.

Another despatch from New Delhi on November 24 reported that an Indian Government spokesman admitted yesterday that Indian tanks had crossed the border of east Pakistan last Sunday (November 21). The spokesman said that Indian forces had acted under modified instructions which allowed them to go over the frontier in self defense. the reporters asked whether. They had gone in East Pakistan spokesman replied naturally they had gone into East Pakistan.

Naturally they had to cross the border. A report on November 24 from New Delhi said that a Government spokesman declined to say how for the Indians had penetrated into East Pakistan saying the distance was determined by the need for self-defense. He added, "I cannot tell you what will happen in the future. But it may happen again."

The Indian Paper National herald in a similar report on November 24 said that Indian troops are now permitted to cross the borders in self-defense. Indian troops crossed the border for the first time on Sunday (November 21) on West BengalJessore border. the paper reported that the Indian spokesman also that it might happen again. It was not possible to prescribe any limitation about distance (of crossing into Pakistan territory). The local commander would have to decide when it was necessary to cross the border in self defense. As noted in a report from New Delhi on November 26 the Indian troops crossed into East Pakistan about 80 miles north of Calcutta, according to a defence communique of India and destroyed one Pakistani tank and infliated casualties with Pakistanis.

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Russia fanning flames on Indian sub-continent

Peking (APP): People's China is hardening its line against India and after a long period of prudent expectancy, has clearly singled out the Soviet Union for the first time as the power which, in Peking's opinion, is fanning. The flames on the Indian sub-continent.

The situation on the Indo-Pakistani frontiers to China's South-West flank is seen in informed diplomatic circles as perhaps the principal pre-occupation of the Chinese foreign policy leaders.

It is stressed in these circles that in his speech Sunday night on the Albanian National Day, Vice-Premier Ll Hsien-nion mentioned: 'American Imperialism' only once and passed over problems in the Middle East and Vietnam.

Mr. Lis criticism of 'military provocations of the Indian Government' in the East Pakistan crisis during his speech prompted the walk-out of the Indian charge d' Affaires, Brajesh Mishara.

As was shown recently during the visit of the North Vietnamese Premier Pham Van Dong, Peking remains as militantly opposed as ever to Washington's politics notably in South East Asian where it expressed opposition by giving its support to those resisting in Indo-China.

But premier Chou En-Lai said clearly all that he had to say on this subject during the visit of his North Vietnamesesally, today Paking's batteries are turned towards Moscow.

The Soviet Union was accused by Mr. Li Last night-under the stock term for Moscow's 'social imperialism' of backing and encouraging' India.

Against the background of this speech, Peking yesterday accused India of 'repeated subversive activities and military provocations against East Pakistan and said New Delhi was being aidded and better by 'social imperialism' other wise the Soviet Union.

In a dispatch from Rawalpindi, the New China News Agency charged that the Indians were using Soviet-made MIG jets, 130mm heavy artillery and tanks in the battles.

he NCNA reported that since November 21, twelve Indian infantry Divisions, estimated at over 1000,000 strong, had launched repeated attacks across the East Pakistan border, mainly in three areas-Jessore in the West, Sylhet in the North-East and Comilla in the East.

Arms Flow

The Agency further charged that while Indian troops were using many Soviet made guns to mount military provocations against East Pakistan the Soviet Government was speeding up its supply of large a mounts of arms and military martial for tile India Government.

Mr. Li stated yesterday that all these should be seriously taken into consideration.

Peking supports 'The Pakistan Government and people firmly in their just struggle against foreign aggression to safeguard their sovereignty and national independence' added Mr. Li.

It seems that India's official admission that its troops had crossed the Pakistan borders has indicted Peking to harden its stand.

It is noted here that after having been extremely prudent regarding the IndoSoviet treaty on last August, the document was mentioned for the first time by the Chinese UN Delegate, Chiao Kuan-Hua in the last few days.

It was held informed diplomatic circles that if peking will do all it can either inside or out side the UN to avoid Pakistan been done to break up and to avoid direct Chinese intervention, Peking will not remain with its 'arms folded in the event of serious aggravation of the conflict which would include the risk of a 'clash' between the great power.

There is a conviction in these same crisis circles that the Indo-Pakistan situation came up during the talks that President Nixon's special envoy, Henry Kissinger, had in Peking in October.

It unknown whether joint decisions were taken, but it is remarked that the IndoPakistan situation appears to be the first concrete occassion for a certain sliding in the Moscow- Washington-Peking triangle. The US and China, visibly concerned with avoiding an aggravation of the situation, seem to have some points in common which differ sharply with Moscow's stand at India's side.

In these circles it was held that Peking would guard against appearing engaged in any collaboration with Washington, but that efforts being made in two capitals towards a solution defusing the situation seemed to converge.

It was also held that hopes for an exchange of ambassadors by China and India who have had only mediocre relations following the frontier war of' 1962 may not be fulfilled as quickly as was earliers thought if the present situation continued and worsened.

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Indian objective is Jessore, says BBC newsman

London (APP): The BBC correspondent, Ronald Robson, who has visited Jessore area in East Pakistan, the main target of Indian invading troops said that after seeing the ground action himself he could not understand the present Indian offensive could be designated as move for defensive purposes.

It seems that the Indian objective is Jessore, he said. In a despatch broadcast by the BBC yesterday morning he said that although the Indian attack had been contained the Indian shelling continued.

lie said at the time he visited the scone of action, the area was receiving fire from tanks and from field guns and mortars and about 50 shells an hour were coming.

The area, he said, was also being shelled sporadically by long range 130 mm Russian guns firing from some 20,000 yards. Its full range is 30,000 yards.

He said he met an Indian section commander who was wounded in action and was being provided medical aid by the Pakistan authorities. The section commander told him that his units were being supported by tanks.

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Indian forces geared up to take Jessore

London (APP): Indian forces along the West Bengal border are geared up for a thrust in the nest few days of take the key Pakistan garrison town of Jessore, reports the daily Telegraph.

The paper published a report from its Calcutta correspondent - David Loshak which said. The once Jessore is libarated India will recognise 'Bangladesh' on East Pakistan.

According to the report, India is said to have agreed with the Bangla Desh leaders that once their Goverment is recognised they will call openly for India's assistance.

At that stage which Indian planners visualise occuring within the next week India will march into East Pakistan in force from West Bengal Assam in the north and Tripura in the East.

The report said, so far India has given mere support to the Bangla Desh government President tactics are to keep the Pakistan Army heavily occupied defending the border enabling behind and secure in increasingly by night hold on the east Pakistan countryside.

Jessore, an even more vital military centre than Dacca itself is too strongly defended for the guerrilla, the report said and added, the Indian plan is for powerful lightening thrust ensuring capture and enabling India to instal the new Bangla Desh government, the conditions under which this could be set up have already been negotiated in Calcutta and New Delhi.

There is firm expectation that once India recognises Bangla Desh, recognition would come from Russia-India's partner in a defence treaty and other countries in the Soviet block, the report said.

The report confirmed that the Indian fear is that within four weeks President Yahya Khan will go through with his scheme for transferring power to a civilian government and it would enable Pakistan to claim that she had met world demands and would greatly strengthen her case against Indian interference on East Pakistan.

The report further said, India is also anxious to instal a Government of Awami League a pro-Indian body similar to Mrs. Indira Gandhi Congress Party.

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Nations Govt. to be formed shortly, says Ghulam Azam

Lahore (APP): Prof. Ghulam Azam Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, East Pakistan and MNA-elect yesterday hinted at the formation of national government very shortly.

Taking to newsmen at Lahore airport on return from Rawalpindi where he met president Yahya Khan, Prof. Ghulam Azam said the President felt that the formation of the national Government was necessary to over come the East Pakistan crisis. To save the country he might form the cabinet even before the National Assembly session. The President was very eager to call the National Assembly according to the announced scheduled but personally, the Jamaat leader said he was opposed to the formation of a central cabinet before the National Assembly session, except in a case of a sheer emergency.

Prof. Ghulam Azam asserted that the national Government should comprise of all political parties of the country which could elaborating, he said he meant all those political parties having good majority.

He reiterated his demand that the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister should be from East Pakistan. He thought Mr. Nurul Amin would be the obvious choice for the Prime Ministership. The ablest man should be made Foreign Minister but he should be from East Pakistan as it would create better impression on the outside World when he goes out of the country to expose the Bangladesh stunt.

Prof. Azam told newsmen that People's Party Chairman Mr. Bhutto will join the national Government and when it is formed he added, Mr. Bhutto cannot remain outside the Government as he is incapable of playing the role of an opposition leader. He went to Dacca to meet the Defunct Awami League Leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to settle the quantum of his share in power with him he added.

Addressing a press conference at Rawalpindi early, Prof. Azam said that he had suggested to the President, General A. M. Yahya Khan that the transfer of power to the elected representatives should be in the true sense of the terms real power.

Prof. Azam who had earlier 70 minutes, said that he had also suggested to the President during his meeting that the main task today was to win the confidence of the people of East Pakistan and to remove the injustices done to them in the past.

The President's response, Prof. Azam said, was encouraging.

Replying to a question, Prof. Azam said that the President assured him that he would try to win the confidence of the people of East Pakistan to the maximum. lie said that the President also told him (Azam) that he (President) was fully alive to the defence need of the country.

He said that the main task before the nation today was the defence and territorial integrity of the country and hoped that with the active co-operation of the people, armed forces would come out with flying colours in the present turmoil.

Taking about the activities of the miscreants, he called for raising the number of' the Razakars, who he said were rendering an yeoman's serice to the cause of the country.

He termed the so-called "Mukti Bahini" as Shatry Bahini meeting in English enemy forces adding the razakars were capable enough to dal with them provided they were put at par with police and others as far as equipments and other accessories were concerned. Prof. Azam, who was critical of Mr. Bhutto said that he had already apprised the President of Mr. Bhutto's role with regard to his comments on political leaders including that of Mr. Nurul Amin an elderly politician.

Prof. Azam said that he had also suggested to the president to take cognizance of

such activities.

Prof. Azam called for concerted efforts to frustrate the nefarious design of India and warned the people to be on guard against India's threats.

He also said that he had suggested to the president to address the nation from Dacca Radio station to boost morale of the people of East Pakistan and see for him self the activities of those people who were really working for the country in cooperation with the army.

Prof. Azam was very much optimistic about the out come of his discussions which he had with the President.

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Mrs. Gandhi bent on provoking Pakistan-Guardian

London (Reuter): The liberal Guardian newspaper said yesterday that Indian Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi was bent on Provoking Pakistan into making a desperate fling and suggested that her tactics could lead to a catastrophe.

In an editorial the Guardian said that President Yahya Khan of Pakistan would resort to desperate force of arms strategic enclaves of East Bengal."

It said that observers agreed that her military incursions 'are not decisive strikes but Calculated provocation, generalised pressure to a specific end which she seeks either the release of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman an autonomus Bangladesh, or outright military victory."

"But, dismayingly, as the days of half-war ship by towards all out conflict, India's tactics look more and more they look infact lide a muddled amalgam of bureaucracy and brigade bluster-not cool Calculation," the Guardian added.

The editorial argued that such tactics were disastrous diplomatically, politically and psychological and Urged Mrs. Gandhi to think again and start talking before the "Bangla Desh" cause firter away in pointless violence, the centres immediately.

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People throughout province condemn Indian aggression

People from all walks of lie condemned the blatanian Indian aggression on East Pakistan in one voice throughout the province, according to reports reaching here from the districts. Protest meetings, rallies are being organised to register their condemnation.

The Paramount need of unity amongst the people was underlined through these meetings and processions in dfeacing the Indian challenge squarly on our territorial integrity.

Rajshahi

Maulana Moahammad Ishaque Minister for basic democracies and local Government called upon the people to give all out support to the Armed Forces for combating Indian aggression.

The Minister was addressing a cross-section of people including members of peace committee, officials and non-officials in the District Council auditorium.

Maulana Ishaque exharted the people to fight up to the last as a true Muslim for preserving the prestige and independence of the motherland. He reminded the people about the rich traditions of the Muslims in warfare and said that if we fought selflessly in the name of Allah we would be up holding our past tradition and the victory would be ours. He advised the people to fight shoulder to shoulder with the gallant Armed Forces for defending every inch of the motherland and teaching good lesson to the enemies.

Earlier, the Minister had a meeting with the local officials and advised them to work in close cooperation with the people for rebuilding the nation. He also asked them to try their best for removing the difficulties of the people and assured all helps on behalf of the Government in this regard determination of the people to preserve the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan at any cost.

A large public meeting was held at parodab on Saturday last to condemn tile Indian attack in Pakistan territory and killing innocent people in border areas of East Pakistan.

Sylhet

A large public meeting was held at Jhingabari Eidgah Maidan to condemn Indian aggression of east Pakistan. Thousands of people who assembled at the meeting took vow to shed their last drop of blood for the territorial integrity of the country. The various speakers while condemning India aggression urged the people to remain united as one man in this hour of crisis.

A crush-India procession was brought out in Habiganj town on Tuesday last under the auspices of the subdivisional Peace committee to express condemnation against India aggression on the sacred soil of Pakistan. The processionists including students carried placards with slogans "down with India,'' "long live our Armed Forces.'' The people her observed hartal as a mark of protest against Indian aggression in our territory. Later at a public meeting Syed Qamrul Hasan, convener of' sub-divisional Peace Committee who presided over the meeting urged the people to forget their differences and stand united against the enemy as one man.

A large public meeting was held at the Sonagazi Government Jublee High School premises under the auspices of the subdivisional Peace Committee various speakers condemned in bitterest terms the Indian aggression on our soil and expressed. Their determination to fight the enemy to the last drop of their blood. A big procession was also brought out by people from all walks of life.

A procession with about 50,000 people was brought out at Sunamganj to condemn the Indian aggression.

Mymensingh

A big procession of teachers and professors of the local schools and colleges paraded the main streets of the town expressing their unreserved support to the valiant soldiers who were defending Pakistan territory against Indian aggression. While parading through the roads the processionists shouted slogans 'Pakistan Zindabad," "Pak Army Zindabad,' 'Down with Indian imperialism.'

A huge public meeting was held at Tangail recently under the auspices of the Tangail Peace Committee to protest the naked aggression of India on Pakistan Moulvi Hakim Jabibur Rahman, Chairman district Peace Committee Presided over the meeting. The speakers including Dr. M.A. Basit and Prof. Abdul Khaleque urged the people to uphold the ideology of Pakistan at any cost and defend their country against Indian aggression as one man.

A big procession paraded the town with anti-Indian slogans at Kishoreganj a large procession of students and teachers of different high schools of the town paraded the main roads shouting slogans. Pakistan Zindabad, Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad, The People later in public meeting condemned the Indian aggression on our territory and vowed to defend the territorial integrity to the last drop of their blood.

Bogra

A mile-long procession was brought out to condemn the Indian aggression here recently. Later at a public meeting at the Altafun Nessa Play ground various speakers including Maulana Ibrahim Nagari, Moulvi Abdur Rehman Fakir, MPAelect, Mvi. Habibur Rahman Bhahdari and Mr. Muraduzzaman condemned the Indian aggression and urged the people to stand unitedly to face the Indian challenge. Maulana Abu Nasar Majibullah presided over the meeting.

Barisal

A protest day was observed here on Sunday last under the auspices of the Peace Committee Bhola against wanton aggression by India on our territory. A long procession of about 20,000 people paraded the roads of the town. Mr. Shah Matiur Rahman MNA-elect presided over a huge public meeting held to condemn the Indian aggression. Among others Mr. Elias Miah Master addressed the gathering.

A procession of thousands of people as brought out a Pirojepur by people from all walks of life. Later at a meeting the people assured the government of' their unreserved support in combating the Indian aggression and urged all to remain firm and limited to face the India aggression and urged all to remain firm and limited to face the Indian challenge squarely. The meeting arranged by the sub-divisional Peace Committee was presided over by Khan Bahadur Syed Mohammad Afzal.

Nilphamari

A Big procession was brought out by the people to express their condemnation against Indian aggression on our territory. People from all walk of life who joined the procession, shouted slogans 'Pakistan Zindabad,' down with Indian imperialism. Mr. Abdul Latif, Advocate which was held in the day. Various speakers reiterated their determination to defend the country at any cost.

Sirajgonj

A big procession was brought out here by people from various walks of life. A public meeting was also held to condemn Indian aggression on our sacred soil. Among others Maulana Asadullah serajee urged all to remain united against Indian aggression.