Archive for October 2013

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<ul>
<li>
October 2: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1002_71_telegram1.htm">Discussion Between</a> US Secretary Rogers and India FonMin Swaran Singh (India)-Bangla Desh-GOP Negotiations: 
<blockquote>
Secretary urged GOI initiate dialogue without insisting 
upon Mujib’s participation to see what could be accomplished. Swaran 
Singh replied that US has contacts with Bangla Desh people. It has 
greater influence, it should try bring about dialogue.</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 3: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1003_71_contact_Bangladesh_reps.htm">Telegram from Amconsul Calcutta to Secretary State Washington DC</a>: 
<blockquote>
“Qaiyum met Political Officer October 3 to pass message 
from BD “Acting President” Islam requesting speedy USG response to BDG 
demarche presented to Poloff by “Fonmin” Mushtaq Ahmed September 28. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
Qaiyum reported Mukti Bahini plans to inject 40 to 60 thousand armed
 men into East Pakistan by end of October in effort to wreck GOP 
administration. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
He quoted Islam as saying only Mujib can negotiate anything less than
 independence for BD and that in Mujib’s absence BDG has no choice but 
to demand complete independence. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
Later, Qaiyum said only he, Islam, Mushtaq and “two other members of 
Cabinet” were aware of substance and fact of Mushtaq’s meeting with 
Poloff.”</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 5: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1005_statement_kahlon.htm">Statement by Shri G.S. Kahlon, Rehabilitation Secretary, Government of India</a> In the 22nd session of the executive committee of UNHCR held in Geneva: 
<blockquote>
"Beginning from end of March, within a couple of months 
total influx of refugees into India had gone up to nearly four million, 
and today it has crossed 9 million already, without any signs of them 
returning to East Pakistan at all. Average inflow per day still 
continues to be between 30,000 to 50,000 persons, and if this rate 
continues at this scale we may well have not less than 12 million 
refugees on our hands by end of this year. "</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 7: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1007_71_analytical_summary.htm">Analytical Summary Prepared by the National Security Council Staff</a>: 
<blockquote>
“The State Department paper judges that the political 
steps taken so far by President Yahya, which exclude the Awami League, 
do not provide the basis of a settlement acceptable to the Bangla Desh 
leadership in Calcutta. To facilitate a political evolution, the paper 
suggests that “our next step should be designed to promote the beginning
 of a dialogue between the government of Pakistan and the Bangla Desh 
leadership.” The paper notes that we have two possible channels-the 
Government of India and the Bangla Desh representatives in Calcutta and 
elsewhere. State suggests that we say we believe President Yahya would 
be receptive to a dialogue. The problem with this is that as far as we 
know the Bangla Desh leadership only wants to negotiate on the basis of 
independence and the release of Mujib.”</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1007_71_WSAG.htm">Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting</a>: 
<blockquote>
“Senior Pakistani officials are convinced that Yahya will
 launch a pre-emptive attack in the next few weeks. Yahya himself has 
given the British the impression that he is considering such action, but
 he has assured our DCM he is not. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
The secret treason trial of Mujibur Rahman has antagonized the East. A
 reliable source says he has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Yahya 
can uphold the sentence, commute it or let the matter lie. His decision 
will be an indication of how conciliatory he intends to be toward East 
Pakistan.”</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 8: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1008_71_telegram2.htm">Telegram from the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan</a> US warns India to stop assisting Mukti Bahini: 
<blockquote>
“We have heard reports for some time of possible 
large-scale cross-border effort by Mukti Bahini to coincide with end 
monsoon season. We would, therefore, strongly urge that GOI act 
immediately to reduce these risks by efforts with MB to restrict 
cross-border operations. While we recognize that major responsibility 
for maintenance of India-Pak peace rests with GOP, GOI also bears major 
responsibility keep present situation from deteriorating into war or 
prolonged insurgency. Should such cross-border operations lead to 
conflict with Pakistan, this would have serious effect on US-India 
relations.”</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1008_71_telegram3.htm">Yahya’s letter to Nixon</a> asking American support: 
<blockquote>
“Pakistan is considering to call a meeting of the 
Security Council to consider serious threat to peace in the 
sub-continent arising from India’s open and mounting interference in 
Pakistan’s internal affairs and ever-increasing Indian military 
activities on Pakistan’s borders.” </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 9: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1009_71_telegram5.htm">Telegram from the Department of State to the Consulate General in Calcutta</a> 
<blockquote>
“USG has no desire place itself between GOP and BD reps 
or to enter into merits of positions of either side. USG therefore has 
no substantive comment to make on points raised by Mushtaq. We would 
urge, rather, that the BD reps seek earliest opportunity to present 
views directly to GOP reps, in effort explore possibility of negotiated 
settlement.”</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 10: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Six month long ban on politics in 
Pakistan lifted, yet Awami League is Illegal. Following the ban on the 
Awami League, the biggest single faction in the Assembly became the 
People’s Party of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.” ( <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1010_71_ban.htm">Reuters </a>) </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Pakistan: The propaganda War : The Sunday Times (<a href="http://www.nybangla.com/Weekly%201971/October/2nd%20Week/Oct2_001a.jpg">Page 1</a>) (<a href="http://www.nybangla.com/Weekly%201971/October/2nd%20Week/Oct2_001b.jpg">Page 2</a>)</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 11: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Pakistan Peoples Party’s Karachi Secretary Meiraj Mohammad Khan admits <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1011_71_peoples_party_leader.htm">Razakar terror</a>. 
<blockquote>
Meiraj alleged that in East Bengal “power in effect has 
been transferred to those reactionary and anti-people political parties 
defeated in the elections and rejected by the people”. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
He named one party-the Muslim Jammaat-e-Islami group-of indulging in 
wholesale massacre of political opponents for which they are using their
 Razakars. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
Meiraj, who has influence among students, added: “Under the umbrella 
of a Government consisting of members of defeated and reactionary 
parties, elections cannot be free.”</blockquote>
The General secretary of NAP, Moshiur Rahman and Anwar Zahid (former 
joint secretary) who had left the NAP in 1970 met Pakistan People’s 
Party (PPP) leaders in Dhaka who came to survey the situation in view of
 forthcoming by-elections for 78 seats formerly held by members of the 
Awami League. Maulana Kawser Niazi, publicity secretary of the PPP said 
that the talks had been fruitful. The PPP and Jamaat-i- Islami were 
against Bangladesh and directly supported the Pakistani army. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1011_71_telegram2_consulate_Karachi.htm">Telegram from the Consulate General in Karachi to the Department of State</a> on discussion with Yahya: 
<blockquote>
“I referred specifically to possibility of Mujib’s 
serving as “trump card” and asked whether he might tell me anything 
further in that regard. Yahya noted that Mujib’s trial was still going 
on. If he were convicted, court would sentence him to punishment which 
would conceivably be death. Matter would then come before Yahya who had 
presidential power to modify court’s judgement. As he had already told 
us, he did not intend to permit any death sentence to be carried out. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
Mujib’s role seemed to be a crucial issue, for example, with regard 
initiation any direct talks between GOP and BD leadership. We have 
recent indications that various pressures on BD leadership in Calcutta 
have inhibited any progress toward initiating talks, and one of their 
primary concerns seems to be that Mujib should have role. 
Yahya responded that there were limits on his freedom of action. He 
pointed to predominant West Pak public opinion damning Mujib, and opined
 that not a single West Pak political leader would welcome an act to 
free Mujib and negotiate with him.”</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 12: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Air Marshal (Retd.) Asghar Khan 
complains that there is no press freedom in Pakistan and he withdraws 
his party Tehrik-i-Istiqlal from the by-elactions. (<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1012_71_asghar_plaint.htm">The Dawn</a>) </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1012_telegram_embassy.htm">Telegram from the Embassy in India to the Department of State</a> on discussion with Indian Foreign Minister Swaran Singh and Foreign Secretary Kaul: 
<blockquote>
“Foreign Minister </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
(a) claimed East Pakistan insurgency 
profoundly rooted in Bengali alienation and has own dynamic, not 
dependent upon India </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
(b) argued insurgency exists deep within East 
Pakistan and significance of cross-border activities easily exaggerated 
and any event GOI cannot shoot down East Bengalis entering or departing 
India</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
(c) noted how long insurgency will be prolonged and whether it 
leads to Pak attack upon India depends upon GOP</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
(d) stressed insurgency
 is caused basically by Pak military repression to which Mukti Bahini 
(MB) is reaction. and </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
(e) concluded US has heavy 
responsibility to exercise its “great influence” with GOP. Foreign 
Minister asserted in event GOP agreed to withdraw military forces from 
Indo-Pak borders, GOI could reconsider situation in light circumstances 
at that time.” </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 13: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.nybangla.com/Weekly%201971/October/2nd%20Week/Oct2_SD_001.jpg">Bangla Desh Government’s reaction</a> to Yahya’s broadcast to the nation.</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 14: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Abdul Monem Khan, former Governor of East Pakistan, died of gunshot wounds inflicted by two men who visited his home in Dacca. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1014_71_telegram_amconsul.htm">In absence of BD “Foreign minister” Mushtaq Ahmed, Poloff met BD “High Commissioner” Hossain Ali</a> and briefed US position: 
<blockquote>
“Ali said Yahya’s October 12 broadcast to nation showed 
Yahya still trying pull wool over world’s eyes. They had seen no glimmer
 of hope for change in Yahya’s remarks. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
Ali noted that Mukti Bahini had worked hard to build itself up in 
past few months, was ready for battle and eager to fight for 
independence of BD. Poloff argued that continuation and escalation of 
violent method by MB might lead to death, destruction and suffering, 
which USG earnestly hoped could be avoided. It would be much better for 
BD to find peaceful solution to their problems so that energies of MB 
could be more constructively channeled to rebuild in East. While Ali 
agreed that this might be more desirable solution, he said he was not 
sure in his own mind that it would be possible for simple reason he did 
not believe Yahya would peacefully accord independence to BD.”</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1014_71_telegram_sec_state.htm">US Dept of state’s direction to Ambassador regarding dialog with Yahya: Future of Mujib and political accommodation</a></blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 15:  </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1015_71_letter_gov_bangladesh.htm">Letter from the Government of Bangla Desh to the Prime Minister of India</a> requesting for recognition to the free and duly constituted Government of Bangla Desh. 
<blockquote>
“Since the formal proclamation of our Independence on 
April 10, our struggle for liberation has gained increased momentum and 
strength. Nearly 60,000 members of the former East Bengal Regiment, East
 Pakistan Rifles and other para-military formations identified 
themselves with the struggle of the 75 million people of Bangla Desh and
 took up arms in defence of our motherland. They were joined by hundreds
 of thousands of young men whom they trained to defend the sovereignty 
and independence of their homeland, and to release it from the bonds of 
colonial oppression. 
The policy of repression has continued with increasing brutality in 
the vain hope of liquidating the leadership and reducing the majority of
 the Bengalispeaking people to a minority. Members of the minority 
communities became special victims of the reign of terror. As a result 
of this policy of genocide, rape, arson and loot, nearly nine million of
 our men, women and children have been driven out in terror and have 
taken shelter in your country, and the exodus still continues. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, our undisputed leader and President, has been 
subjected to a secret military trial and has been reportedly condemned 
to death. The Awami League has been banned, which had won an 
unparalleled victory in the national elections held last December. The 
military regime of Pakistan has disqualified 79 duly elected 
representatives of the people and has imposed a so-called civilian 
regime consisting of defeated candidates and quislings which is now 
supported by the might of the military machine of Pakistan. These 
gestures have not deceived the 75 million people of Bangla Desh. They 
have only exposed the deception and insincerity of the military 
oppressors. All this has only made us more determined than ever to 
liberate Bangla Desh. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
We are glad to inform you, Excellency, that this struggle has borne 
fruit. The liberation army of the People’s Republic of Bangla Desh, the 
Mukti Bahini, are in full control of half the territory of Bangla Desh. 
We also confirm that the Bangla Desh Government has established 
effective civil administration over this area which is functioning 
smoothly. This development has not merely been welcomed by the broad 
masses of the people, but the efforts of our Government have found 
spontaneous and overwhelming support in the areas under its control.”</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 18: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.nybangla.com/Weekly%201971/October/3rd%20week/oct3_001.jpg">Dhaka Guerillas start offensive</a>: The Guardian</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 19: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1019_71_indira_interview.htm">Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s interview with Sydney H. Schanberg</a>: 
 
<blockquote>
“She did not categorically deny that India was helping 
them. She said instead, ‘perhaps you know, they have many helpers, 
mostly their own people, all over the world. Also, many avenues are open
 to them’. She did not elaborate. ‘Whether they have arms or not, nobody
 can suppress the struggle’. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
Mrs. Gandhi cited ‘threatening statements from Pakistan which, we 
feel, cannot be entirely ignored’. She mentioned, in particular, the 
speech last week of President Agha Mohammad Yahya Khan in which he 
accused India of ‘feverish military preparations’ and called on his 
people to meet the threat as a nation of one hundred and twenty million 
mujahids or preachers of Islam ‘whose hearts are pulsating with love of 
the Holy Prophet’. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
Mrs. Gandhi was asked if she felt there was a breaking point to the 
economic and social pressures placed on India by the refugees, a point 
beyond which India might feel compelled to take military action against 
Pakistan to halt the influx. “Well, actually, I would say, we have 
already reached it “, she replied. “But this does not mean that we are 
going to crack under it”.
</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1019_71_telegram_dep_state.htm">Yahya’s Letter to President Nixon</a>: 
<blockquote>
“In an already tense situation India’s land, sea and air 
forces have been brought to a state of confrontation against Pakistan’s 
frontiers in both the wings. There are 7 divisions of the Indian army 
which are deployed against West Pakistan and additional forces have been
 put in a state of readiness to move to forward positions at short 
notice.  </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
Mr. President, the inevitable conclusion that one can draw from this 
offensive posture of the Indian armed forces is that it is pointed in 
the direction of conflict and not of peace. May I urge you to impress 
upon the Government of India the need for urgent constructive steps with
 a view to arresting further deterioration of the situation in the 
sub-continent.”</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 20:  </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1020_telegram_consulate.htm">An evaluation of East Pakistan insurgancy</a>: 
<blockquote>
“Over past three months East Pakistan insurgency has 
increased in intensity and widened its geographic scope of operations. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
Concentrating in the rural areas, with only token activity in cities 
(exception has been systemic and repeated disruption of power supply to 
Chittagong), Mukti Bahini (MB) have stepped up their disruption of 
roads, bridges, railroad lines in most parts of the country. In some 
districts, notably Dacca, Comilla, Noakhali, Faridpur, Bakarganj, MB 
seems able move about almost at will and appears even to have set up 
parallel administration at some points. Evidence on hand suggests that 
insurgents are better armed than formerly, (automatic weapons, mortars, 
heavier explosives) and increasingly able undertake sophisticated 
operations (mining of ships, effective sabotage of bridges, etc.). In 
central and southern districts mentioned, MB has demonstrated 
aggressiveness and skill in ambush operations against Razakars 
(voluntary home guards) and army, occasionally inflicting significant 
casualties. Areas other than those cited above, MB activities largely 
confined destruction of bridges, culverts, railway lines, apparently 
avoiding contact with govt forces. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
To extent that “civilianization” and general amnesty were intended 
damp insurgent activities, they have demonstrably failed. While 
weariness and desire for “peace at almost any price” apparent among 
middle class urban groups, we have impression that younger Bengalis, 
particularly those in countryside, are entrenched in their detestation 
of Islamabad Government and bitterness against Pak army. These attitudes
 reinforced by persisting reports atrocities and indiscriminate 
retaliation carried out by government forces, principally army or 
Razakars, to point where even many conservative Bengalis see no other 
outcome than to drive army out by force.”</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 23: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1023_71_indira_broadcast.htm">Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s Broadcast to the Nation</a> urges Indians to unite to uphold the freedom and integrity of the nation</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 26: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A <a href="http://www.nybangla.com/Weekly%201971/October/4th%20Week/Oct4_BG001.jpg">Bangla Desh Government press release</a> on Bangladesh delegation in the UNO</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 28: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1028_71_indira_speech_royal_institute.htm">Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s speech at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, London</a>: 
<blockquote>
“As a result of the tragic events in East Bengal, 
9,000,000 people have poured into our territory, creating a situation 
which seems to surpass the convulsions of partition. The crisis in 
Pakistan is a deep one and the spectre which haunts that unhappy country
 cannot be exercised by the usual recourse to blaming India. Two 
questions arise: first, whether religion by itself can form the basis of
 a nation state, especially when the state machinery is impervious to 
the ordinary laws of political development and cultural aspirations, and
 secondly, whether some action other than that of the bayonet is not 
necessary to win loyalty. We in India are restrained and calm in the 
face of provocation but we are bound to protect the interests of our 
country ….”</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 30: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1030_71_letter_nixon.htm">Letter from President Nixon to Pakistani President Yahya</a>: 
<blockquote>
On October 26 the press in Pakistan printed the text of 
Yahya’s October 25 letter to U Thant welcoming his offer to mediate in 
the dispute between India and Pakistan. I know of the Secretary 
General’s very recent letter to you and Mrs. Gandhi, and I welcome the 
tenor of your response to that letter. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
October 31: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/1031_71_indira_adress_india_league.htm">Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s address to the India League, London</a>: 
<blockquote>
“It seems very strange to us how the situation can be 
normalised by suddenly declaring that some elected people are no longer 
there when they are very much in the world. You suddenly say that you 
are going to have new elections and that new elections are going to 
solve the problem. They cannot possibly solve the problem. The elections
 were not considered illegal when they were held, the programme put 
before the people was well known to the Government and the elections 
were presided over by the same governmental authority. They had a 
six-point programme on which they fought the elections and which was 
supported by the vast majority of the people of both sides of Pakistan. 
Nobody objected to it. The time to raise an objection was before the 
elections were fought. They could have said, ” well, we don’t approve of
 this programme, we are not going to accept the six points and, 
therefore, if you want to fight the elections you will have to 
re-think”. I do not know if it would have been proper, but certainly if 
any objection had to be raised, that was the time to raise it, not when 
the programme was accepted. The people thought it was accepted and they 
voted accordingly.”</blockquote>
</blockquote>
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October, 1971

October 2: Discussion Between US Secretary Rogers and India FonMin Swaran Singh (India)-Bangla Desh-GOP Negotiations: Secretary ...

Voice of 71 - ৭১ এর কন্ঠ

October, 1971

একাত্তরের চিঠিঃ চিঠি – ৩ : নৌ কমান্ডো শহীদ জিন্নাত আলী খান

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