Syed Kamel-AL-Sharef who also visited damaged railway bridge at Gunabati on Chittagong-Comilla rail link, said that extensive damage done to the gigantic bridge only showed it was dynamited by highly trained expertise."

Talking of the Pakistani troops whom he met during the today's tour, he said "they are defending a cause with a missionary zeal. They are highly motivated with Islamic spirit and are in high morale."

[Back to the Headlines]

Rich tributes paid to Army

Comilla (APP)

Rich tributes were paid to the army for successfully forestalling the designs of the disintegrationists at a public meeting held under the auspices of the Sangraish Union Committee recently. The meeting expressed vehement indignation over the ludicrous lies broadcast by the Indian Radio.

Mr. Ali Akbar, Advocate who presided over the meeting urged the people to extend their whole-hearted cooperation to the army in dealing with the miscreants and thus frustrating the covetous design of the Indian imperialists.

At a large meeting held under the auspices of the Lacksam peace committee recently the Pakistan Army was congratulated for their heroic action in saving the country from disintegration.

Mr. Sajedul Huq, ex-MNA while addressing the gathering of about 10,000 people advised them not to pay any heed to the false propaganda of Indian Radio against Pakistan.

The audience reiterated their oath of allegiance to their homeland, Pakistan and expressed their determination for safeguarding the solidarity of the country at any cost.

The meeting was addressed among others by Mr. Abdul Hakim, ex-MNA, Mr. Abdus Salam, Ex-MP, Mr. Hashmiatullah Khan.

[Back to the Headlines]

ML will resolve socio-economic problems-Khattak

Abbottabad (APP)

Mr. Mohammad Yusuf Khan Khattak, MNA elect of the Pakistan Muslim League (Qayyum Group) yesterday assured that his party would resolve the socio-economic problems of the people, through planned and feasible programme, in accordance with the Islamic tenents.

Addressing party workers, Mr. Khattak, a former Leader of opposition in National Assembly, emphasised that his party did not believe in snatching from one and giving to the other. What the Muslim League stood for was that the socio-economic problems should be resolved by harnessinge all the national resources and creating new avenues to eliminates poverty, disease, hunger from the country.

Mr. Khattak took exception to certain political elements' role during the elections. He alleged they had exploited the fair name of Islam, to fetch votes from the people and said that those who did not even hesitate to sell Islam, for becoming members of the Assembly, could never be sincere in either to religion or to the people.

Mr. Ghulam Mohammed Khan Lundkawar, General Secretary of the Sarhad provincial QML, in his speech suggested that a commission should be appointed to probe into the conduct of the Jamiatul Ulema-e-Islam (Hazarvi Group) during the elections.

Exploitation of the fair name of Islam, nothing less than 'regularity' which should be censored.

He said that these leaders, in their lust for power went to the extent that they fully advocated transfer of power to criticise Indian or its anti-Pakistan posture, whereas they were tight-lipped on the six-points of the defunct Awami League, he said.

About transfer of power, Mr. Lundkhawar emphasized that power must be transferred to the peoples' representatives, but it must take into account the situation prevailing in the country, if power was transferred without restoration of the crisis it would further get aggravated, he observed.

[Back to the Headlines]

Navy's laudable performance

Pakistan Navy has been playing a significant role in rehabilitating the economy of East Pakistan. In March this year when this part of the country witnessed widespread disturbances, our Navy along with other members of the Armed Forces shared the responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of Pakistan. The Navy took appropriate steps to safeguard major installations along the coastal areas of the province. And now when the situation has returned to normal, the Navy is actively participating in the most crucial task of speeding up the movement of foodgrains in the consuming centres of East Pakistan.

Vice-Admiral Muzaffar Hasan, commander-in-chief, Pakistan Navy during his visit to various parts of the province, saw for himself the brisk activity that has returned to the ports. The C-in-C was informed how the Navy was assisting the administration in the regular flow of essential commodities from different parts to all parts of East Pakistan. This assistance from the Navy was mainly responsible for maintaining the extremely satisfactory and effective riverine transport operation during all these months. In Mongla, Vice-Admiral Muzaffar Hasan discussed with port authority's measures for construction of Chalna port. It was again the Navy which rehabilitated the port following the subversive activities of anti-state elements who were paralysing means of communications. It was through its efforts that radio communications were restored and about four hundred craft were recovered. Fifty privately owned ships abandoned by the staff were also put into operation. Indian infiltrators who were determined to wreck the economy of East Pakistan had also carried with them a large number of foodgrain barges. Hundred such barges were salvaged by the Navy and used for transportation purposes.

The people of East Pakistan are familiar with the comendable service that the Navy has always rendered in difficult situations. This riverine province has to bear the strains caused by recurring cyclones and floods. During those days, our Navy with all its resources, immediately rushed to the stricken people for providing them relief and succour. Even today when the administration has taken all measures to reach foodgrains and other essential commodities to the farthest corners of the province, the Naval presence in the coastal areas has speeded up the work and restored confidence among the people.

[Back to the Headlines]

Indian propaganda against Pakistan condemned

The Sylhet Sodor sub-divisional peace committee at its meeting held here vehemently condemned the Indian propaganda against Pakistan and decided to hold processions and meetings on July 29 with a view to warning people against its baneful effects.

The Committee reviewed the present situation in the sub-division and thanked army for restoring normal conditions in all spheres of life. The committee also expressed its satisfaction over the vigilance and activities of the Razakars in suppressing the anti-national and anti-social elements.

75,000 tons of cargo bound for E. Wing lying at KPT

Karachi (PPI)

About 75,000 tons of cargo originally shipped from various world ports for transportation to East Pakistan was at present lying at Karachi port for want of shipping space, sources stated here today.

Sixty percent of the cargo had been imported by the public sector which included various autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies in East Pakistan.

The KPT sources said about 12 general cargo ships excluding coastal and bulk vessels had unloaded cargo at the Karachi port following disturbances in East Pakistan early this year.

A small quantity of the cargo landed at the port had been  delivered either for storage outside the port or for local consumption.

While stressing the need for making adequate arrangements for  immediate shipping of the cargo to East Pakistan, the sources said if guided by the present arrangements, it would take at least 14 to 15 months to transport the cargo to Chittagong or Chalna as the space made available hardly provided for shipping of 5,000 to 7,000 tons a month.

Meanwhile, the cargo lying at the port would incur storage charges to the extent of crores of rupees, exceeding the value of the goods.

Referring to the demands by the importers for allowing them further concessions in storage charges, the KPT sources pointed out that they had already allowed the importers concessions to the tune of Rs. 50 Lakh. Having given such a concession, the port was not financially in a position to assist further.

The importers had recently urged the Government to allow concessions in storage charges till June 15. However, the sources said if this request was granted, the port would further lose a revenue of Rs. 14 lakh. They said the original concessions for two months was more than sufficient when all the cargo had been stored at the port free of charges.

The sources pointed out that the KPT was an independent organisation and was expected to subsist by its own resources. All its expenditure and provisions for expansion schemes were financed from its own resources and no contribution was received from the Government.

Ships should be chartered if necessary to immediately transport the goods to East Pakistan to avoid further expenses the sources said. However, they said this was also Dependent on the conditions at the Chittagong and Chalna ports if cargo in big quantities could be unloaded there without delay for onward distribution to various centres in East Pakistan.

[Back to the Headlines]

Indian activities condemned

Noakhali: A big public meeting was held under the auspices of Noakhali Sadar Sub-Divisional peace committee at Kalitar Bazar on Thursday afternoon. The meeting was presided over by Advocate Sayedul Hoque chairman, district peace committee.

Among those who spoke on the occasion were Mr. Maswood Muktear, chairman, Subdivisional peace committee, Advocate Ataur Rahman Choudhury and Dr. A.K.M. Abdul Jalil, Assistant secretary, sub-divisional peace committee. They condemned nefarious activities of India against Pakistan and called upon the people to stand united to safeguard the integrity of Pakistan. They eulogised the timely action of the Armed Forces and appealed to the audience to extend wholehearted co-operation to the administration to bring about peace and stability.

[Back to the Headlines]

Jamiat expresses full support to Yahya

Multan (APP)

The General council of the Jamiatul Ulema Pakistan (Sialvi Group) in an emergency meeting yesterday expressed full support to president Yahya Khan in framing an Islamic constitution.

The three hour meeting which was mainly held to resolve internal different of the Jamiat and to consider to present situation of the country was presided over by Pir Syed Mohammad Karam Shah, Vice-President of the Jamiat.

Laksmam

Sylhet (APP)

Khawaja Qumaruddin Sialvi, who was to presided over the meeting could not reach Multan. Jamiat sources said he developed kidney pain while on way to Multan and was held up at Kot Addu.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting included members elect of National Assembly, Maulana Shah Ahmed Nooranin Mian Ibrahim, Barqmehr Ghulam Haider Bharwana, Maulana Mohammad Ali and Allama Mustafa, Naziam Jamiat, Maulana Mahmud Ahmed Rizvi and Naib Nazim, Sahibzada Badar Devan.

[Back to the Headlines]

Food position in Barisal satisfactory

Barisal (APP)

Satisfaction was expressed at food position and also price of food stuff in the district.

Public meeting

Another report from Barisal adds: A public meeting was held at premises of Matbaria Community Centre with Khan Shaheb Matemali Jamadder, a veteran leader in chair.

Former provincial Minister and president, Perojpur sub-divisional peace committee Syed criticised outlawed Awami League leader's conspiracy of secession of East Pakistan at the instigation of Indian Hindus which 90 percent people of East wing could not think of even.

He said, Pakistan was achieved to safeguard Islam and Muslims could not imagine of destroying country and thus finishing Islam. If East Pakistanis could understand objectives of Awami League, they would never cast a single vote for them, he said Awami League without uttering any single word of independence of East Pakistan. They preached disparity and created public sentiments in their favour destroying sentiments of national integration and Islamic unity. He said that by the grace of Almighty Allah, country was saved and people started their normal live.

[Back to the Headlines]

Ulema urged to cooperate with Armed Forces

Maulana Abdul Matin, Joint Secretary, and Syed Manzurul Ahsan, Secretary, parliamentary Board, Nizam-e-Islam Party, have asked the Ulema to lend their active co-operation to the Armed Forces and explain the basic ideology of the country to the people, reports APP.

In a Joint statement they said what the valiant Pak Army has done by timely intervention in order to preen dismemberment of Pakistan by internal subversion is highly commendable and deserve our unstinted support and cooperation.

The advent of the Pak Army in March coincided with establishment of a law enforcing agency and viewed in such context the valiant Pak Army had earned the gratitude which was a precondition to any established order in the country.

More expression of gratitude cannot help solve our problems, what is required is cooperation and association with administration in order to remove the difficulties that have blocked progress to national reconstructions. The loss sustained by the country is colossal, but the loss can be repaired within the shortest possible time given the determination to rebuild the country afresh with sincere zeal and enthusiasm. for the contest of the recent development. We would urge upon the Ulema and Islam loving patriotic persons to come forward in order to associate themselves with the administration in the task of nation building and further upon them to help the administration purge the anti-social elements, who had made deep inroads into our national life.

To the task national construction by their action participation in the Armed Forces and in the police services, not to speak of the Razakars who can provide a second line of defence to the civil armed Forces.

He further urged upon the Ulema and the Imams of the Mosques in East Pakistan to make it a part of their programme to explain the basic ideology which Governed the movement of a separate homeland for the Muslims in the Indo-Pak sub-continent in congreational prayers up to the village level.

This another form of cooperation extended to the administration to ensure to way of life founded upon the principle of 'Love for all and malice against none." Islam provides the basis for unity and the bonds of unity can be strengthened among the component parts of Pakistan provided the people of Pakistan can be made to adhere to the teachings of Islam as enshrined in the Quran and Sunnah.

[Back to the Headlines]

India's continued provocations along border condemned

Mr. Abdul Khaleque, General Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islamic, East Pakistan and member, working committee of the central peace committee, has strongly condemned the continued provocating acts of India along the border, reports APP.

He said that the Indian rulers tried to dismember Pakistan through her agents and armed infiltrators. Now being failure in this attempt, they are creating troubles along the border.

He was addressing a Jamaat workers meeting at Comilla on Wednesday last.

Mr. Abdul Khaleque appealed to the patriotic people to be cautions about the anti-Pakistani miscreants and requested them to frustrate any such attempt to create hindrances on the way to restoration of normalcy and economic activities. He also asked the Jamaat workers to work ceaselessly with a new zeal for the safeguard of the integrity and solidarity of Pakistan.

Dr. Nazir Ahmed MNA-elect also addressed the meeting. He enumerated a number of internal and external conspiracies made from the very inception of Pakistan against Pakistan, Islam and Islamic forces. He emphasised the intensication of Jamaat workers and said that the very existence of Pakistan fully depends on the progress of Islamic movement.

He asked the Jamaat workers to go to the masses with the mission of the Jamaat-e-Islami and try their utmost to redress the difficulties of the people.

[Back to the Headlines]

UN observers on border; Pakistan has proved its good intention says Turkish MP

Karachi (APP)

Mr Kaism Gulek leader of the visiting Turkish parliamentarians team, said here today by accepting the United Nations proposal to station UN observes on the India East Pakistan border Pakistan had proved its good intention. He was talking to newsmen at the Karachi airport this afternoon on arrival from Lahore en route to Dacca.

Mr. Gulek said acceptance of the UN proposal which was designed to facilitate the return of displaced persons to East Pakistan.

Asked whether India's rejection of the UN proposal would hinder  the return of the DPs., Mr. Gulek said,' Any one who refuses a proposal of this kind will be in a weak position.'

He said, he and the other members of the team, Mr. Mehmut Vural Iskh would leave for Dacca tomorrow morning for an on the spot inspection of the situation there.

They would then be able to tell their countrymen of the true situation in Pakistan, he added.

[Back to the Headlines]

E. Wing MPA meets Bhutto

Karachi (APP)

Mr. S.B. Zaman MPA aelect from East Pakistan of the defunct Awami League, today met the chairman of the Pakistan peoples party, Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and discussed with him the political situation in the country and the transfer of power to the elected representatives of the people.

After an hour-long meeting with PPP chairman Mr. Zaman told APP that he had requested Mr. Bhutto to visit East Pakistan as early as possible.

He said he had sent a telegram to the Military Secretary of the president to give him an appointment to meet president Yahya Khan during his (president's) stay in the city.

[Back to the Headlines]

26 JULY 1971

News headlines and details from the Daily Morning News.

News Headlines:

• India can never be a friend of E. Wing people says Tikka.
• Rivals exchange fire in Indian training camps.
• United Pakistan inspiration for Muslim countries.
• Rich tributes paid to Army.
• ML will resolve socio-economic problems -Khattak.
• Navy's laudable performance.
• Indian propaganda against Pakistan condemned.
• 75,000 tons of cargo bound for E. Wing lying at KPT.
• Indian activities condemned.
• Jamiat expresses full support to Yahya.
• Food position in Barisal satisfactory.
• Ulema urged to co-operate with armed forces.
• India's continued provocations along border condemned.
• UN observers on border: Pakistan has proved its good intention says Turkish MP.
• E. Wing MPA meet Bhutto.

Other Headlines:

• Governor's Council discusses problems of E. Wing medical students.
• People urged to resist Indian bid  to cripple Pakistan's economy.
• Industrialists urged to rebuild national economy.

India can never be a friend of E. wing people, says Tikka.

Lt. General Tikka Khan, governor of East Pakistan and Martial Law Administrator, Zone 'b' during his visit to the eastern border region yesterday told a representatives gathering in Comilla that India who did not hesitate to shell civil population of Comilla town indiscriminately last Wednesday, can never be a friend of people of East Pakistan, reports APP.

Expressing his sympathy with the victims of unprovoked Indian shelling, the Governor said the action showed India's total disregard for the life of innocent people.

Gen. Tikka Khan said, "We want peace so that we may improve the economic cot of our people but India was keeping up tension on the border.

The Governor said that Indian troops in civilian clothes at times sneak into the border areas in collaboration with their agents and disrupt our means of communication to ruin our economy. "It is the common man who ultimately suffers," he said and cautioned the people against their enemies.

He said Razakars were being raised to enable the rural people to protect themselves against trouble makers. He also lauded efforts of peace committees in maintaining peace and tracking down miscreants. The Governor said that peace comittees are not a political institution and they are working with the sole aim of preserving the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan.

No credence to rumours

Gen. Tikka Khan advised the people not to give credence to rumours as they are directed against the interest of the people. Citing a recent example, the Governor said that SSC examinations were held in Dacca peacefully and those who did not take the examination due to misleading rumours have lost one valuable academic year. "Full educational activity is being revived through out the province and all concerned should make proper use of these facilities," he said..

The Governor expressed his satisfaction with food stocks in the region and said that in spite of communication difficulties, food would reach all the needy people in all parts of the province. He said Boro crop this year was quite good and Amon crop has also bright prospects.

Pre-Independence Day

Talking of the pre-independence days, the Governor dilated on the plight of Bengali Muslims and highlighted their contribution to the creation of Pakistan. "Without their overwhelming support, Pakistan could not have been carved out in its present shape,' he said and added that the people of this province who had worked so hard to achieve Pakistan could never allow its disintegration. He further said that people's vote for provincial autonomy during last election was misinterpreted by defunct Awami League as a mandate for disintegration of Pakistan.

Referring to the return of displaced persons from across the border the Governor said that president of Pakistan had assured more than once that all Pakistanis are welcome back home and over 90,000 of them have already returned mostly through unauthorized channels.

India rejects

The Governor added that Pakistan had agreed to the posting of UN observers along the border to facilitate return of displaced persons but India had rejected because the presence of UN observers would expose her real intentions.

From Comilla. Gen Tikka Khan went to see Gonabati rail bridge between Feni and Lakhsham. The bridge dynamited earlier by expert Indian infiltrators, is now in the last phase of reconstruction.

The Governor also visited Feni and Maijdi Court (Noakhali) where he met the local officials and members of peace committees. The Governor informally talked to the peace committees and appreciated their role in the maintenance of peaceful conditions and restoration of people's confidence. He exchanged views with the local officials on various matters particularly those pertaining to law and order, food and communication.

Syed Kamal AL Shareef, Ambassador of Jordan, currently on a visit to East Pakistan, accompanied the Governor during yesterday's tour. The Governor returned to Dacca in the afternoon.

[Back to the Headlines]

Rivals exchange fire in Indian training camps.

A serious rift among various factions of so-called MuktiFauj, students and political leaders now in India has been reported by displaced persons returning to East Pakistan, reports APP.

The returnees also reported that the rift has resulted in violent clashes among these factions.

The returnees further said that there was general realisation among the defectionists and defunct Awami League workers now in India about the futility of their collaboration with India.

Exchange of fire has taken place between these factions in various training camps, the returnees added.

They also said that in the clash, one officer and several men of the so-called Mukti Fauj and its collaborators were killed. Small arms and automatic weapons were freely used by both sides.

The returnees continued to say that Indian authorities were training and equipping a large number of saboteurs and sending them to East Pakistan mainly to disrupts means of communications.

One of these saboteurs was apprehended by the Pakistani troops near the border.

[Back to the Headlines]

'United Pakistan inspiration for Muslim countries.'

Syed Kamal-AL-Shareef, Ambassador of Jordan, who is on a 5-day private visit to East Pakistan, said in Dacca yesterday that a strong and unified Pakistan is a source of inspiration for all the Muslim countries reports APP.

He said that Jordan fully supported the step taken by the Pakistan Government to preserve the solidarity of the state.

Talking to APP in Dacca after his tour of Comilla, Feni and Noakhali with Lt Gen. Tikka Khan, Governor of East Pakistan today, the Jordanian Ambassador said that his impression of the people of East Pakistan was that they knew that their survival was linked with a strong and integrated Pakistan.

He said that after talking to a cross-section of people he was of the opinion that they feel their safety and well-being lay in active cooperation with the Government in preserving peaceful condition.

The Ambassador said that during his day's tour, he saw farmers and labourers at work in Comilla, Feni and Noakhali and life fast returning to normal in this border region. He said he was glad to note that the people did not give credence to hostile propaganda which, they realise aimed at running their economy resulting in economic hardship to the people.

He said he was convinced of Government's resolve to maintain peaceful conditions and devote full attention to building a strong and prosperous Pakistan, but he regretted that 'hostile propaganda" and "interference" would only prevent implementation of constructive plans and add to the hardship of the common people.

The Daily

Morning News

April 1971

May 1971

June 1971

July 1971

August 1971

September 1971

October 1971

November 1971

December 1971

March 1971

Some Important Entries

Profile of Bengal