The Daily
Morning News
25 NOVEMBER 1971
News headlines and details from the Daily Morning News.
News Headlines:
- Chandpur recaptured : 2 tanks damaged at Hilli Indian Bids blunted on all fronts.
- Ahmad, Liu discuss greater economic collaboration.
- Practice blackout for one week.
- China to support Pakistan in all eventualities.
- Initiative by big powers would be welcome.
- US in touch with USSR on Indo-
Pak crisis. - Aggression by India condemned
- DPO, DPR come into force.
- War cry in India.
- Rewards for information regarding miscreants.
- 4-
hour curfew in city. - Malik meets president.
- Aggression and Emergency.
- Reservists asked to report for duty .
- Raising issue at UN under consideration.
- UK Govt. appeals to Indian. Pakistan for restraint.
- India to continue efforts to normalise ties with China.
Other Headlines:
- Indira appeals for calm.
Rawalpindi, Nov. 24 (APP) : Pakistani troops today blunted efforts of the Indian army on almost all the fronts, on the third day of launching of aggression by New Delhi, an official spokesman said here this afternoon.
The spokesman "firmly denied" a claim made All India Radio that a place called Kishoreganj in the Mymensingh district has been captured by India. He said "I firmly deny" it. Nothing has happened there. he added.
He said there was no air action on either side, today.
The situation all along the West Pakistan borders remains "quiet" he added.
Replying to a question from a foreign correspondent, the spokesman said. India has in her possession Pakistani territory about 15 square miles in size. He termed Indian claims regarding the Pakistani territory in their possession as "highly exaggerated and false."
The spokesman said Indians had no Monday launched an attack on lakshmipore and Latumara areas of Sylhet The Pakistan Army defenced their positions and inflicted heavy casualties on the aggressors, who could not make any head way.
The chanderpur border outpost which remained in Indian hands for some time was recaptured in the early hours of 23 November with the Indians finally retreating across the border, leaving behind 200 dead with a large number having been wounded. These positions arc now in our firm possession.
In the Comilla area, the spokesman said, Indian pressure is mounting and own concentration is increasing in Chuddagram and Morchatali areas."
Pakistani border posts are located at these places, and on Tuesday. the Indians had attacked Pakistani positions north of Kasba without gaining any ground.
All-
The Indians made an all out effort in the Chittagong Hill Tracts area at a place called Chotaharina.
"Bitter righting took place in the action, but the position remained in Pakistani hands. The enemy suffered sizeable casualties," The spokesman added.
In the Jessore area. Indian troops made a fresh bid to advance further into Pakistan
from Chaugacha -
The spokesman also said fighting flared in the Benapole area where the Indians clashed with Pakistani troops but failed to gain any ground.
Replying to newsmen's questions, the spokesman made the following points :
The tanks used by Indian Troops in the Jessore area are of Russian make. They are
Amphibian PT-
There was no let up in the fighting, as combat still going on. Pakistan does not
have PT-
All pressmen are permitted to visit Jessore, for which facilities are being arranged. but the Jessore airport is still under Indian shelling.
In addition to ten Army Division (both Infantry and Mountain) numbering about 2,00,000 men, ten battalions of the Indian border Security Forces (B. S. F.) are engaged along Fast Pakistan.
Two Pakistani Air Force Sabres had failed to return to the home base on Monday and the Indian claim of downing three Pakistani aircraft is incorrect.
Capture of new Indian prisoners has not been reported so far.
PIA continues to operate its inter wing flights on normal schedule and there has been no interruption.
The Soviet 130 MM guns being used by the Indians in shelling in the Jessore area with a range of 30.000 yards, may be placed just inside Pakistan border or on the edge of Indian side.
No Headway Allowed.
A correspondent asked whether there has been a slackening in the military action on Tuesday and Wednesday, compared to Monday? The spokesman aid India had launched full scale aggression on Monday, which Pakistan was defending It was because of this that largescale action was visible.
On Tuesday and Wednesday however Pakistani troops did not allow the aggressors to make any headway which seems to have curtailed the overall action. But he said. the fighting was still going and Pakistani Troops territory.
The spokesman was asked if the Indian troops had launched an attack from various sides on Fast Pakistan, in order to cut the province into hall from Jessore cast the spokesman said, "we cannot predict the Indian strategy." He said India had been trying to occupy a chunk of Pakistani territory order to perpetuate the myth of "Bangladesh."
Their attack on the areas which are now the scene of fighting way have been selected because India thought these to be "soft", and could be considered as proving before India commits aggression on a till bigger scale. lie said "a weak spot salient will obviously be a better target for her."
Another front
A Dacca message states : the Indian Army opened yet another front at Hilli in district Dinajpur 165 Mountain Brigade of 20th Mountain Division and a squadron of 69th Armed Regiment of' Indian Army launched an attack at Hilli at about 3 a.m. on Wednesday.
Repeated desperate attempts of the attackers were beaten back with heavy casualties
up on the enemy, who had to retreat in complete disorder. However, the losses of
the enemy could not be determined in the darkness of the night, By day-
At about 12 o'clock the Indian s launched yet another desperate attack supported by Indian Air Force fighters and intense artillery shelling in which two Indian tanks were knocked out and enemy suffered over 100 dead and wounded. In this attack the enemy had been able to make some dent into our defense. However, the attack was blunted and halted with in a few hundred yards of the border.
seven of our valiant soldiers lost their lives and 11 were wounded.
About 60 to 70 dead bodies of the regular Indian soldiers who belong to 6th Assam Regiment and 16th Rajput Regiment can still be seen littered about in the area from where the enemy had to later retreat.
Sylhet
In Sylhet, the enemy has been pushed further back almost to the border line and sizeable chunk of territory in Atgram and Zakiganj area earlier taken by Indians during their first surprise offensive has now been regained.
The locals revealed that Indians lost three officers killed. 6 wounded and 300 men killed or wounded.
According to them the casualties were evacuated by Indian army helicopters and the dead were cremated behind brigade headquarter.
In the meantime, journalists and photographers have been visiting chaugacha area
in Jessore district and Kasba area in Comilla district in order to see for themselves
the open Indian aggression and the heavy losses suffered by them at the hands of
determined troops of Pakistan's valiant armed forces Near Kasba, where Indian Army
had suffered heavy casualties during an unsuccessful attack yesterday. Dead bodies
were seen by the journalist. Besides a hew dead bodies of Indian Gorkha soldiers
lying on this position itself many others could been slittered all over the no man's
-
Indian admission
Reuter adds from New Delhi An Indian Government spokesman admitted today that Indian tanks had crossed the border into Fast Pakistan.
The spokesman said the Indian forces had acted under modified instructions which
allowed them to go over the frontier in self-
The clash on Sunday in the Bayra are north of Calcutta was the first of its kind and Indian forces had not entered East Pakistan again the spokesman said.
The spokesman confirmed. "Our tanks have been in action in self defence on Sunday."
Asked whether they had gone into East Pakistan, he replied "naturally they had to cross the border." But he added that they had gone only a short distance and had lost tanks although some may have been damaged.
According to informed sources, the Indian tanks had penetrated about 1,000 yards (metres) into Pakistani territory.
Rawalpindi, Nov. 24 (APP) : Avenues of greater economic collaboration between Pakistan
and China were considered when the visiting Chinese delegation, led by Mr. Li shui-
Welcoming the Chinese delegation, the Economic Adviser said that the friendship of China and Pakistan was deep rooted in the facts of geography and history and has been gaining strength through mutual support on various issues of common concern.
Referring to China's admission into the United Nations. the Economic Adviser. Said that the people of Pakistan rejoiced on the victory of China in finally obtaining their rightful place in United Nations. He said actually United Nations was not complete without China and China's entry into the world body has given it universality.
Presenting a brief review of the economy, Mr. Ahmad said that the economy suffered from certain strums, but with the indomitable will of the people and their willingness to bear sacrifices, Pakistan will be able to tide over the situation.
He said the present difficulties only intensified the resolve of the people to become independent of foreign assistance as quickly as possible.
He said we are grateful to our great friend and neighbour China for helping us during this difficult period.
He recalled his last visit to China during which, he said, he had the privilege of
paying respect to the Chairman Mao Tse-
Mr. M. M. Ahmad expressed the hope that Pakistan would learn from China's experience
in the field of industry both in the planning and implementation stages. I lie said
the heavy mechanical complex set up at Taxila with Chinese assistance would prove
a historical landmark in Pakistan's development. The wonderful progress China has
made during the last 20 years in an eye-
The leader of the Chinese delegation, reciprocation the feelings expressed k) y Mr.
M. M. Ahmad, Thanked him for his "friendly and warm talks". lie said the progress
made by China under the leadership of Chairman Mao Tse-
A Practice blackout was observed in Dacca and Narayanganj yesterday from 6-
There was no siren before and after the blackout which was observed very successfully. The people gave full cooperation to the civil Defence authorities in observing the blackout.
Meanwhile, the controller of civil Defence announced that one hour practice blackout would continue to be observed in the city for a period of another week.
App adds : The controller has announced the timing for two days next namely Thursday and Friday. The timing of the rest of the days would be announced later, the announcement said.
On Thursday the black out would start from 7.30 p.m. and on Friday it will start
from 8 p.m. On each of these days the black-
Islamabad, Nov. 24 (APP) : Mr. Li Shui-
He said the people of Pakistan have waged unremitting struggle against imperialists and foreign interventionists and his country would support them whenever Pakistan's independence and integrity was Threatened.
Mr. Li Shui-
He said that the friendship between Pakistan and China was based on five principles
of peaceful co-
The Chinese Minister said, "No country has the right to undertaken aggression, subvert, control or bully another in dependent country."
Mr. Li Shai-
aggressions, and it Pakistan was threatened by such forces. China will support the people and Government of Pakistan.
He said, the people of China and Pakistan have always sympathised and supported each other against aggression and will resolutely defend states sovereignty and national independence."
Mr. Li Shui Ching said that there is an growing friendship between China and Pakistan the close relations were growing from strength to strength.
He mentioned various official level contacts between the two countries and said that not very long ago Pakistan delegation visited Peking and had talks with the top Chinese leaders with "satisfactory results."
Earlier Mr. M.M. Ahmed, Economic Adviser to the President, welcoming the Chinese guests said that friendship between the two countries is "deeply enshrined in the hearts of our People."
"We fell very proud of the friendship and we are also happy that this is growing from strength to strength."
Rawalpindi, Nov. 24 (APP) : Pakistan would welcome any Big power initiative to normalise
the situation in the sub-
The spokesman said if the United states or the Soviet Union make bi-
The spokesman was asked to comment on a Washington report indicating that the United
states and the Soviet Union were in touch with each other and were making private
moves to being peace in the sub-
A correspondent also asked the spokesman what will be Pakistan's attitude towards the United states interest in the present situation.
The spokesman said Pakistan would like the foreign powers to help in solving this problem. He said the only problem regarding the East Pakistan situation is the one relating had welcomed the U.N. assistance and supervision. He said Pakistan was also taking steps on its own to bring the displaced persons back to their homes.
He said Pakistan has been attacked, and "we are not aggressors we will be quite placed
about a bi-
Question : As you say, Soviet long-
Answer : If a constructive and peaceful initiative came from the Soviet Union, we will like it. It is India which has been putting pressure on Several countries to stop supplying arms to Pakistan and it is for the countries providing military aid to India to sec in what manner she is using this equipment."
Moscow. Nov. 24 (Reuter) The U. S. embassy here has had talks with the Soviet Government
over the crisis on the Indian sub-
Commenting on reports from Washington that Soviet and U.S. representatives were holding talks to find a common position, he said the Embassy had "been in touch" with Soviet officials.
The Soviet Press today confined itself' to brief reports on the crisis and made no mention of any such talks.
But live of six despatches from the subcontinent in Pravda were from New Delhi and only one from New Delhi and only one from Pakistan, reporting President Yahya Khan's declaration of a state of emergency.
The despatches from the Indian capital all relaxed statements made by Indian Government officials or Press Trust of India reports.
The reports made no mention of Pakistani allegations that India had launched all
all-
An earlier repeat adds from Washington the United states was urgently trying today
for a common position with the Soviet Union on how to avoid a full scale war on the
Indian sub-
A state Department announcement said that Washington was in touch with Moscow. The talks were being held in the Soviet capital. Pakistan's envoy here appealed publicly last night for U.S. help to half what he termed blatant aggression by India.
The US which has been sharply criticised by India for refusing to condemn the Pakistani Government's crushing of the breakaway Bangladesh movement in East Pakistan is anxious to maintain a position of neutrality in the conflict.
A public appeal to both sides to show restraint was issued on President Nixon 's behalf yesterday by white House Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler, who said :"The use of military force in the area would not be understood by the people of the United states when the countries involved have such urgent domestic needs."
US officials still had little or no independent information on the fighting along
the India-
The Indian Embassy here said any fighting going on alone the border at this time was between liberation forces and Pakistan troops. This claim was heatedly demined by the Pakistan Ambassador.
Pakistan Ambassador Agha Mohammad Raza, in appealing for US help. did not suggest what action Washington should take.
He did not want a resumption of US arms supplies cut off earlier this year following the civil strife in East Pakistan.
But he said the US as the world's greatest power, has very responsibility to preserve
peace "We want peace and whatever they (The Americans) can do to bring peace to the
sub-
He repeatedly stressed Pakistan's willingness to accept any international reports restore peace and complained that the outside world did not believe Pakistan when it said India had launched an all out offensive.
Mr. A. M. N. Yousuf, General Secretary, East Pakistan Provincial Muslim league in .1 statement issued in Dacca yesterday strongly condemned India's naked aggression an East Pakistan in violation of the international rules.
He hailed the presidents decision to proclaim state of emergency throughout the country to meet the, challenge to external aggression on our sacred soil. He warned the Indians that it' they didn't immediately vacate the aggression committed by them they would be entirely held responsible for the consequences. He said the nation was solidly behind the valiant armed forces who are inflicting heavy blows to our enemies in all the fronts.
Mr. Yousuf Called upon the people o1 Pakistan and like minded political parties to sink their differences at his critical hour and face the enemy unitedly. He also suggested in View Of crisis arising out of the Indian aggression the leaders of the like mind(,(] political parites should sit together and chalk out common strategy to meet the challenge of our enemies.
Mr. Yousuf called upon the business community of East Pakistan not to hoard essential goods and raise the prices for the benefit of the common man.
Rawalpindi, Nov. 24 (APP) : The Defence of Pakistan ordinance and the Defence of Pakistan Rules, 1971, have come into force with immediate effect with the proclamation of emergency in the country, it was officially stated here today.
The Defence of Pakistan Ordinance, 1971 provides for special measures to ensure the security. public safety and defence of Pakistan. It extends to the whole of Pakistan and applies to all citizens and persons on ships or vessels and aircraft registered in or chartered for Pakistan wherever they may be.
London, November, 24 (APP) :`Finish Pakistan' and 'Liberate Bangladesh' posters have appeared all over India and talked of all out war with Pakistan has been intensified, reports the daily Guardian.
The paper published a reports filed from New Delhi by its correspondent Which said "with Indian and Pakistan troops confronting each other on the borders, no Indian official talks of a third alternative to the crisis. In New Delhi the only visible options are continued confrontation of war."
"The Indians are turning the crunk," the report said and added "The fastest turn
of crunk was disclosed less than two weeks ago when an Indian Defence Ministry spokesman
leballed the battle at Kamalpur near the border in East Pakistan and Tripura state,
a development in the Indian -
According to the report "the spokesman was ordered to withdraw his words a day later but it was confirmed that Indian troops have crossed in to Pakistan and fought a sharp battle."
"A second battle which, sources say, involves regular Indian forces continued for several days last week near, Belonia, not far from Kamalpur," the report added.
It said. "some Indian's speak of possible further increase of military pressure, including the use of planes and ships against Pakistani troops in East Pakistan."
Speculation has given rise to rumours that the Mukti Bahani have acquired an air force. the report said and added that these rumours are absurd because the guerrillas could launch planes only from Indian airfields.
However, the report said :"These rumours are in keeping with the Indian policy of officially denying direct involvement and describing all fighting between Mukti Bahini and the Pakistani Army.
Government have decided that loyal persons who supply reliable information leading to the arrest of miscreants or who arrest the miscreants themselves and produce them before the law enforcing agencies will be given adequate rewards : says a Press Note issued yesterday reports APP.
The scale of awards is so follows. A for arrest of a miscreant or information leading to its successful encounter with the miscreants Ps. 500.00.
B. for arrest of India -
C. For arrest of miscreants with riffles, greanade or a duplicating machine or any other firearms of offernce Rs. 1,000,00.
D. For arrest of a miscreants leader of some group Rs. 2,000.
Higher reward upto Rs. 10,000 may be considered for big arm haul-
The category of miscreants will be inter alia, the following:
A. Regular members of the so-
B. Those who help the recruitment to the so-
C. Those who voluntarily supply food, transport and other articles to the rebels.
D. Those who voluntarily harbour or give shelter to the rebels. E. Those who act as in formers or messengers for the rebels.
F. Originators publishers of subversive leaflets, pamphlets etc. connected with socalled Mukti Bahini.
A four-
New Delhi, Nov. 24 (Reuter) : The Indian Prime Minister. Mr. Indira Gandhi today appealed to the nation to remain calm in the face of Pakistani threats of war.
India would not declare a state of emergency as Pakistan had done, "unless further aggressive action by Pakistan compels us to do so in the interest of' national security," she told parliament.
Rejecting as "Wholly untrue" Pakistani charges that India was engaged in an undeclared
war. Mrs. Gandhi said Indian forces had been given strict instructions not to cross
the borders except in self-
Mrs. Gandhi said Indian regarded the violation of Indian territory by four Pakistani jet fighters on Monday as "a purely local action."
After saying no emergency would be declared, Mrs. Gandhi added :"In the meantime, the country should remain unruffled."
Rawalpindi, Nov. 24 (APP) : The Governor o( East Pakistan Dr. A. M. Malik had a meeting with President Yahya Khan at the President's House here this evening.
The proclamation of' emergency in the country by the President has been widely hailed. A grane emergency has been created in the country by Indian threat all parties should forget their differences and close their ranks 80 that the Indian challenge is given a befitting reply. The armed forces are doing a magnificent job. It is the duty of everyone to back them upfully. It is time to forget petty party squabbles, which can hear ten only the enemy. The nation comes before self and party. it has been made clear that the emergency would not in any way affect the President's plan for transfer of power. No doubt one of the objectives of Indian aggression is disrupting the process set in motion by the president to transfer power. India will fail in this object as she has in others. It has been stated in unambiguous terms that neither Indian action nor the declaration of emergency would impede the implementation of the president's plan for the transfer of power to the elected representatives of the people. The affirmation that the aim of transferring power remains steadfast leaves no room for the slightest doubt on that count. In the meantime everything should be subordinated to the greater interest of the nation. That is the supreme need of the hour. Only thus can all the objectives of the enemy be thwarted.
India has been waging an undeclared war against Pakistan and is now guilty of open
aggression. If the full scale, all out Indian attacks on different sectors of' East
Pakistan do not constitute aggression we would like to Know what aggression is. The
international community which has failed to act resolutely so far should take note
of this immediately. We wish that it had shown a greater sense of urgency when Pakistan
repeatedly warned that a highly explosive situation existed on the Indo-
Indian 'disclaimers' should not now beguile the nations which are interested ill
maintaining peace in the sub-
Rawalpindi, nov. 24 (APP) : All personnel of-
All ex-
The announcement said : The Commander-
A. Officers, JCO, and other ranks of Ordinance/EME, residing in peshawar. Rawalpindi,
Lahore Sargodha Muthan Bahawalpur and D. I. Khan Civil Divisions should report to
Cod Rawalpindi/502 central Workship EME (for officers) SIO central workshop EME (for
JCO/or) respectively the maintaining officers JCOs and other ranks should report
to Ordinance/EME centres at Malir-
B. Officers, JCO's and others ranks of East Bengal Regiment who are at present in West Pakistan will report to Punjab Regiment centre.
C. Officers of general list will report to the centre of Arm/service to which they are proforma postead.
D. Officers who are at present in East Pakistan will report to HQ Fast Pakistan, logistic Area. Dacca. JCO's and/or will report on Reinforcement camp. Dacca.
All officers, JCO's and other ranks recalled under this announcement will contact the nearest military station head quarters or formation headquarters for necessary railway warrant/ movement authorities.
Karachi. Nov. 24 (APP) : Pakistan is actively considering to make the security Council to prevent the conflict with India from getting out of hand, Mr. Sultan Mohammad Khan, the Foreign Secretary said here today.
He was replying to reporters question on return here early today from a fortnight's visit to United states, Canada, France and West Germany.
Asked if in view of the threat of aggression by India Pakistan would move the security council, the Foreign Secretary said "This has always been under consideration."
He said the following India's all out offensive in East Pakistan the Government was actively considering to move the United Nations.
Mr. Khan said that during his visit abroad he was received in most places by the Heads of state, heads of Governments and the Foreign Ministers. "They showed great interest in the sub continent" lie added.
The Foreign Secretary said, "In every place there was a sense of deep concern over
tile deteriorating situation and a desire to help maintain peace in the sub-
The Foreign Secretary said there also a growing understanding of the advantage which India is trying to take of the refugee problem to achieve her political and against Pakistan."
India is being increasingly asked now why she was shying away from every reasonable proposal involving the United Nations for reducing tension and arranging the return of displaced persons, he added. Mr. Khan said that president Yahya's proposal for disengagement of forces had also been well received abroad, without exception.
He added "India has not provided any convincing answer to the queeries abroad.
The Foreign Secretary said that he was in West Germany when the new,,, (,am(, that India had launched an all out offensive in East Pakistan.
He said in West Germany he found great interest and anxiety on file part of tile German Government and the German news media to understand the situation to protect it to their people and their desire to prevent the conflict from getting out of' hand.
London, Nov. 24 (APP) : The British Government appealed on Tuesday to India and Pakistan for restraint in their confrontation over East Pakistan.
Lord to thian, Under-
He spoke in answer to a demand in the House of lords from lord shepherd, a laourite, that Britain should take the dispute to the United Nations Security Council.
Both the Soviet Union and China should be asked to use their influence to prevent what could be a most disastrous war as far as India and Pakistan are concerned and a real. threat to world peace."
Lord Lothian said he would consider the Peer's demands.
New Delhi Nov. 24 (Reuter) : India would not be deflected from its efforts to normalise relations with China despite Chinese support of Pakistan over the East Pakistan crisis Indian Foreign Minister Swaran Singh told Parliament on Monday.
He was speaking in a deleated on pro-
Chinese representative Fu Hao accused a certain country, meaning India. of interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan and carrying out subversive activities.
Mr. Swaran Singh rejected the Chinese accusation but went on a statement. which is not liked by as is hardly a ground for not going ahead with our efforts to normalise relations with China.
We should not be too much deflected from the pursuit of our policy.
Profile of Bengal