They move in columns of 1000 or more with armored cars and tanks. Villages on either side of the advancing column are burnt, the Towns are shelled by howitzers and strafed, cannoned and napalm-bombed by Sabre jets. These marauders destroy or loot everything. However, they cannot hold on. For example they did advance from Ishurdi to Kushtia, Chuadanga and Meherpur. but now they have withdrawn to Bheramara. They are having considerable logistics trouble and are afraid of moving out without-artillery or air support. Pakistani troop of company strength is liable to be overwhelmed by the Mukti Fouj and this has made them change their tactics to one of massive but temporary force. The Mukti Fouj has also changed its tactics. They offered resistance in conventional form at first, but lacking armour, artillery or air force they found this to be rather costly. They have now switched largely to guerilla type warfare with great success. The supply position of the Pakistan army has been badly affected. Trains are not running in any part of Bangladesh. Chittagong port is paralysed. Chalna is in Mukti Fouj control (but Khulna is in Pakistan army control.) With the early advent of the monsoon rains and the deterioration of the financial position of Pakistan, coupled with training and arming of larger Mukti Fouj, we should see a reversal of the military situation in the next few months.
JOY BANGLA!
