The Daily
Morning News
News headlines and details from the Daily Morning News.
News Headlines:
- NEC approves Rs. 550 cr. public sector development prograrnme .
- Unprovoked Indian shelling and intrusions into East Pakistan.
- Begum Solaiman against power transfer at this crucial moment'.
- Governors' comface held.
- Happenings in Pakistan: Unbalanced presentation made in UK press.
- Exchange of diplomats: Pakistan welcomes U Thant-
's good offices - Pakistanis is NY extend full support to Yahya's action.
- Role of army lauded.
- Situation in E. wing well under control.
- Substantial US role in assisting refugees in Indian in India.
- Baluchistan Varsity directive to E.Wing candidates
Other Headlines:
- President's broadcast on June 28.
- Cholera again breaks out. among refugees.
The National Economic Council (NEC) today approved a public sector development programme
of Rs. 550 crore for the fiscal year 1971-
Of the total gross public sector programme, Rs. 279 crore will be spent in East Pakistan
including Rs. 36 crore for flood control and Rs. 10 crore for the development programme
of the cyclone-
A Press note issued by the Cabinat secretariat said in an addition to the Rs. 279 crore allocated for development in East Pakistan, a special allocation will be made in the budget for the repair and rehabilitation of communications, transport and other facilities damaged in the recent disturbances in East Pakistan.
Further details of the programme will be announced later by the planning commission.
Composition
The development programme Rs. 550 crore is slightly lower than the programme of about
Rs. 560 crore likely to be implemented this year (1970-
The National Economic Council directed that the main focus of the development programme would be the speedy revival to economic activity in East Pakistan, and the consolidation and stabilisation of the economy as a whole.
The NEC also stressed the need for greater selectivity in making allocation for specific projects, particularly in favour of labour intensive and quick yielding projects.
It asked all the central and provincial agencies to "Cut down less essential expenditure and make the best use of limited resources in this difficult phase of the nation's history."
Text
Following is the full text of the press note:
"The National Economic Council which meet in Rawalpindi on the 16th and 17th June, 1971 approved a public sector development programme of Rs. 550 crores for the next financial year beginning on 1st July. The Council meeting as presided over by the president and chief Martial LAW Administrator, Gee. AM.. Yahya Khan, and was attended by the three Deputy Chief Martial Law Administrators the principal staff officer to president. the Governors of East Pakistan, Punjab, Sinn, NWFP. and Baluchistan, the Economic Adviser to the president, the Deputy Chairman, Palnning Commission, the Governor, State Bank of Pakistan and Central Sectaries.
Allocations.
Of the total gross programme of Rs. 550 crores, Rs. 279 crores will be spent in East Pakistan, including Rs. 30 crores for Flood Control and Rs. 10 crores for the development programme of the cyclone affected areas and Rs. 271 crores in West Pakistan provinces including Rs. 70 crores for the tarbela Dam project. In addition to the Rs. 279 crores allocated for development in East Pakistan, a special allocation will be made in the budget for the repair and rehabilitation of communication, transport and other facilities damaged in recent disturbances in East Pakistan. Further details of the programme will be announced later by he planning commission.
The development programme of Rs. 550 crores is slightly lower than the programme of about Rs. 560 crores likely to be inplemented this year. The composition of the programme will be carefully received to protect essential on going projects and important objectives in agriculture industry, transport and the social sectors.
The National Economic Council directed the the main focus of the development programme should be the speedy revival of economic activity in East Pakistan and the consolidation and stabilisation of the economy as a whole. The stabilisation of the economy as a whole. The council also stressed the need for greater selectivity in making allocation for specific projects, and in view of the unusual squeeze on the country's resources, particularly in favour of labour intensive and quick yeilding project's, the council asked all the central and provincial agencies to cut down less essential expenditure and make the best use of limited resources in this difficult phase of the nation's history."
The Indian Army and Border security Forces carried out unprovoked shelling, mortar
and machine-
The incident took place in Comilla, Jessore, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Kustia and Sylhet districts, resulting in deaths of innocent civilian property.
It is understood that the Government of Pakistan is lodging a strong protest with India his unprovoked firing and border intrusions. The incidents related to the period between June 10 to 15.
On June 10, the border outpost in jantiapur and is its surrunding are in Sylhet district was attacked three times by infiltrators who came from the Indian teritory.
They were actively supported by the regular elements of the Indian Army and the Indian Border security Force.
The Indian artillery intermittently fired approximately eight hundred rounds of field and medium artillery and heavy mortars from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a result a number of innocent civilians living in the area were killed. The same day, the Kasba and Rajpur area in Comilla district were shelled by the Indian field artillery and heavy mortars without any provocations, resulting in casulties among innocent civilians.
On June 12, the Indian continuously fired mortar shells for six hours in Inayatpur and Nawagaon areas of Sylhet district. On June 13, the Bibir Bazar Area in Comilla was subjected to shelling. Two Pakistani border outposts in Khulna district also came under Indian fire the same clay.
On June 14, some of our border outposts received fire from across the border in Comilla and Khulna districts.
On June 15, our border outposts at Hilli in Jessore and Badyanathalla in Kustia districts and the Godhagari area in Rajshahi and Bhurangamari area in Rangpur districts were subjected to shelling and mortar fire from across the border.
Indian Patrol
The same day, an Indian patrol consisting of regular Indian Army personnel and the Indian Border security Force introduced into Pakistan Territory near Benapole in Jessore district.
Chased by the Pakistani troops, Indian flew back across the border. Despite this
grave provocation, the Pakistani troops, who intercepted the Indians, did not violate
the Indian border. The Indians again opened up with machine-
Begum Akhtar Solaiman, Daughter of late Husain Shaheed Suhrawardy said here today that transfer of power at this crucial moment when the country is faced with crisis would not be wise.
Talking to newsmen here today she Said that the plan of the president regarding the transfer of power which had promised to announce the current month would undoubtedly be acceptable to the nation but taking into consideration the situation prevailing in East wing of the country, its implementation should come into effect after complete normalcy has been restored in East Pakistan.
Refering the latest situation in East Pakistan, she said that the peace committees were doing tremendously well and the people are responding in a remarkable way.
She said that about 430 thanas police station were to be re-
When asked whether she would like to visit West Bengal to see for herself the refugee camps replied in the negative.
Asked to express her views on reports that many of the MNAs and MPAs of the Awami
League have agreed to co-
Asked whether she would form a party consisting of those Awami Leaguers who disown the outlawed Awami League, She said that she had no such plan.
She emphasised that our first duty is to normalise the situation in East. Pakistan. The situation she said had deteriorated because the miscreants and the Indian infiltrators who were hiding themselves in East Pakistan on the pretext to see and meet their friends and kith and kin even before the situation flared up.
She opposed that team of volunteers and social workers from West Pakistan should be sent to East Pakistan to help them in bringing about normalcy.
Concluding she said that she at the president House within a would call upon the president day or two.
The Governors conference was held here today under the chairmanship of the president Gen. A.M. yahya Khan.
The conference was attended by the Goverrnor of East Pakistan. Lt. Gen. Tikka Khan, the Governor of the Punjab, Lt. Gen. Attiqur Rahman, the Governor of sind Lt. Gen. K.N. Azhar Khan and Governor of Baluchistan Lt. Gen. Riaz Husain.
The Meeting was also attended by the three Deputy Chief Martial Law Administrators and the Principal staff Officer to the President.
Unbalanced presentation made in UK press.
Mr. james Tinn. a member of the British parliamentary delegation now on a three day visit to East Pakistan today said that unbalanced presentation of the happenings in Pakistan was made in the UK press, reports APP.
He said that absence of foreign press from the scene was party responsible for it as only one side of the picture was given out by India featured in the foreign press. He hoped that soon foreign press would be allowed for on the spot coverage of situation.
The three members of the delegation Mr. James Tinn, Mrs. Jillknightand Mr. James kilfedder were giving an interview to Radio Pakistan on return from tour of Chittagong and Sylhet on the second day of their stay in the province.
Mr. James Tinn further said that the best of hope for the country lay in the return of Pakistani citizens, restoration of confidence among the people and a political settlement.
Tea Plantess
When asked to comment on Indian propaganda about the alleged killing of a British tea planter, Mr. James Boyd, another member of the British Parliamentary delegation Mrs. Jill Knight said that how tragic it was that they made an on the spot study and came to know that both Mr. James boyd and Mr. Jill Chalmers, another planter, taken away by Mukti Bhahini, were both seen in India, she said they were happy to know that both alive and hoped that both of them would soon return.
Mrs. Jill Knight said that they were pleased to meet fourteen elected members of the National and provincial assemblies of the outlawed Awami League. The Members, she said, were found to be anxious to join in any kind to talks for bringing normal condition in the country.
Returnees
About her meeting with returness at the reception centres. Mrs. Jill Knight said that the inmates there were not in a condition to talk. She said that one lady with whom she wanted to talk was simply crying. The lady, she said, was very much distressed as she had lost two of her three children.
When asked about her impression on situation in East Pakistan, Mrs, Hill Knight said
their object was to make an on-
Mr. Knight said that she come with no set mind and was not committed to do any view. She said that certain pressure groups tried to see her but "I refused to meet them and came with open mind. She further said that the visit was not a guidetd one. I moved freely, chose the people and talked to them a great deal about knowing the situation.
Mr. James kilfedder said that the object of the visit was to in this country as they logically disapproved of the allegations made in British and foreign press about Pakistan.
To a question about the return home call made by president Yahya to Pakistani nationals in India, he said that he was pleased to know about the humanitarian gerture.
Rehabilitations
In reply to a question about the rehabilitation of the returnees, he said that the world was eager to help Pakistan in this task. The U.N. and the Western countries were ready to help Pakistan. British Foreign Minister had assured of every possible help to Pakistan in this respect.
Mr. James Tinn, who is a member of the Labour Party said that he came to know during his talks with some trade union leaders that consultations were in progress between union and employers safeguard the interest of returnig workers.
He wished speedy return of normal condition in Pakistan.
Mr. James Tinn and Mrs. Jill Knight, who had gone to visit Chittagong yesterday morning on her return to Dacca saw Indian arms ammunition and equipment captured by Pakistan Army in various actions. They also saw and talked to Indian infiltrators captured in two separate actions near Jessore and Sylhet. The Indian infiltrators said that they had been captured several miles inside Pakistan from their dug in positions.
Pakistan has welcomed the good offices of the United Nations Secretary General in arranging the repatriation of the Pakistani and Indian personnel attached to Pakistan and Indian Missions in Dacca and Calcutta.
A letter delivered by Pakistani Ambassador to the U.N. Mr. Agha Shahi to U' Thant yesterday said, "Pakistan Government has accepted U Thant's suggestion that interviews between Mr. Mehdi Masud and Members of the Pakistan High Commission should take place in a nutral building and in the presence of a third party.
The letter added, "since the Government of Pakistan has already agreed to the presence of third party at the interviews between Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner and the Pakistani staff in Calcutta, it seems that the approach made by the Government of India to your Excellency is meant only for propaganda and to create the impression that India's attitude in this matter is more constructive than it has been in fact."
India's refusal
It added, "Pakistan Government has both initiated and accepted the proposals which would result in an amicable solution. The only reason for the repatriation not having taken place so far is Indian's refusal to enable the individual members of the Pakistani staff in Calcutta being asked whether they wish to return to Pakistan or stay in India. If this obstruction were removed, there would be no delay in the reciprocal repatriction.
Devious Way
The letter recalled that Pakistan Government had sought to resolve the impasse by proposing on Monday 10 that a representative of the Swiss Government be present as a witness at separate meetings between Mr. Mehdi Masud and the East Pakistani staff to remove any apprehension about pressure of intimidation from either side. The Government of India initially agreed but later proposed that, the Swiss representative should himself arrange meeting between Mr. Mehdi Masud and East Pakistani staff. This was a divious way of obtaining some kind of recognition of the East Pakistani defectors as a party to the dispute. Thus an amicable settlement of the issue through the good offices of third party as thwarted by India.
Pakistan Government promptly accepted the Indian proposal that a representative of the Iranian Embassy in Indian and an Indian official be also present at meetings between Mr. Masud and the East Pakistani staff. Hossain Ali should also be present when Mr. Masud meet Pakistani staff one by one. The proposal could not be accepted by Pakistan for the simple reason that Mr. Ali could not be regarded as having any locusstandi an issue between India and Pakistan.
A meeting of the Pakistani Community held here recently extended its full support to president Yahya's action in East Pakistan.
The meeting presided over by Mr. Syed Ahmad, president of the Pakistan students' Association; unanimously passed a resolution extending full support of President Yahya's measures in East Pakistan.
The meeting also resolved for support to the present regime till general conditions
necessary for political activities have been created; proclamation of 1956 constitution
as the constitution, abrogation of 1970 election results and fresh elections on the
basis of separate elect-
Kishoreganj, (APP)
Mr. S.B. Zaman, MPA-
Addressing a public meeting at Kuliarchar Dak Bungalow premises recently; Mr. Zaman urged upon the people to stand solidarity behind the present Government and to frustrate the evil design of India.
Mr. Zaman who severed all connection with the outlawed Awami League; made an extensive
tour of the sub-
Mr. Hamidul haq Choudhury, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan has said that situation in East Pakistan is will under control and civil administration has started functioning in right earnest.
Mr. Hamidul Haq. Choudhury who arrived in the interim capital last night said in an interview with PPI that rehabilitation work in East Pakistan had started. The repair work of the communication links which were damaged during the disturbance had also begun. The functioning of the communication system will go a long way in the restoration of the economic activities in the province, he added.
Answering yet another question he said that food situation in East Pakistan was satisfactory. The princes of foodgrain, he added, were just half of the prices obtaining across the border. With the improvement of communication system, prices further go down he said. Answering a question he said that people who crossed in to India were coming back to East Pakistan. The process, he added, was slow because of the Indian propaganda. however, he added, that the general amnesty granted by the East Pakistan Governor will restore confidence of the people.
When asked about his meeting with the president, he said that I will soon meet the president.
President Nixon assured Indian Foreign Minister Swaran Singh yesterday that the United states would continue to play a substantial role in assisting refugee now in India and providing for their health needs.
Presidential spokesman Ronald Ziegler reporting on the 45 minute long talks between the president and Mr. Singh, noted that the United states has despatched relief supplies and personnel and over the weekend sent one million doses of Cholera vaccine to India.
In a larger meeting with security of state william Rogers the Indian Minister outlined the dimentions of the refugees problem and the financial burden of Indian of caring for flow of East Pakistan.
According to a notification issued by the University of Baluchistan, the candidates who had left East Pakistan during the recent disturbances and intend to appear in the secondary school certificate and Intermediate Examinations 1971, from Baluchistan University, are directed to contact the controller of Examinations, Baluchistan, immediately, says an official handout issued here Monday.
They are required to submit their applications with the full particulars. The date for the commencement of examination will be announced later.
Profile of Bengal