Free Mujib immediately, says Indira
November 27, 1971
INDIRA'S MESSAGE TO YAHYA
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi told Pakistan President Yahya Khan that he should come forward to a political settlement in East Pakistan and to prepare a ground for the release of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman immediately. She told him that the situation in East Pakistan was creating an intolerable burden on India.
The message was sent in reply to the Eid greetings President Yahya had sent orally through the Indian Ambassador to Pakistan.
President Yahya Khan, according to an Indian official spokesperson, had proposed a meeting with Indira Gandhi. The Indian prime minister said she was prepared to meet the Pakistan president but Bangladesh could not be an issue for discussion between them.
BELGIUM GIVES NOTICE FOR UN COUNCIL MEETING
Belgium, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council , gave notice of a resolution for a meeting of the UN Security Council to take cognisance of the recent military activities in the Indian subcontinent which have " caused human and material loss" and which "constitute a threat to international peace and security. "
This was the first open result of a coordinated move by the US and the UK in support of Pakistan's attempt to internationalise the Indo-Pak tension caused by the West Pakistani terror in Bangladesh.
ON THE WAR FRONT
Eighty Pakistani troops were killed as Indian Army and Mukti Bahini fighters attacked Hili from three sides. The northern part of Bengal was disconnected from the Rangpur Cantonment as a result of the attack. Pakistan lost a few tanks as well.
Mukti Bahini attacked Pakistan positions in Islampur and Chatuidubi, three miles away from Nawabganj in Rajshahi, with heavy mortars. Pakistan troops suffered heavy casualties in these battles.
Mukti Bahini attacked Rajshahi telephone exchange and disconnected Sharda Police Training Centre.
Muktibahini attacked Razakar base in Munshiganj and took captive four Razakars with weapons and ammunition.
Shamsuddoza Sajen is a journalist and researcher. He can be contacted at [email protected]
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