পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (চতুর্দশ খণ্ড).pdf/৩১৭

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বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ চতুর্দশ খন্ড
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Nightmares

 But contemplate it India must because there is growing evidence that many of the refugees have no intention of returning to East Pakistan not even to an independent Bangladesh. Some 80 per cent of the refugee population is composed of Hindus who have been the special targets in the Pakistani Army's bloody repressions, and now that they are in India many wonder why their parents failed to take them out of Moslem dominated Bengal when the sub-continent was partitioned in 1947. Despite efforts to convince them that a new Bangladesh will be a secular state with equal fights for all, few of the Hindus seem persuaded that a return to their disaster-prone villages in East Bengal is preferable to the nascent welfare state of the refugee camps. Key Indian officials told de Borchgrave, however, that unless the refugees are “unloaded very soon. Indian troops may have to drive them back home at bayonet point.” Such a prospect conjures up nightmares in New Delhi and, without doubt, is a major factor behind India's current effort to resolve the Bangladesh crisis quickly thought military pressure.

Wonderful Job'

 Although its “President.” Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is currently being tried for treason by the Pakistani Government, the self-proclaimed nation of Bangladesh has set up a four- man Government led by “Acting President” Syed Nazrul Islam. Recently, in the first interview he has granted any journalist, Syed Nazrul Islam talked with NEWS WEEK'S Senior Editor Arnaud de Borchgrave. Below, excerpts:

On The Rebels' Campaign

 My boys have done a wonderful job. We are now well organized and effective. The people's sense of patriotism is also an excellent source of military intelligence; all the educated people are on our side. I don't think it will take much longer. You have seen for yourself, both in occupied and liberated areas, the support we enjoy.

On Outside Influence

 It is entirely our own show, and there is no pressure from India of one kind.. The Communists are supporting us and have pledged explicit loyalty lo my government. But they are not a big factor.

On The United States

 The U.S. press has spelled out the basic issues. The story is now known. As a result, your Congress is supporting us, too. But we cannot understand why the U.S. Government is against us.

On An End To Fighting

 If Yahya has the foresight to see that independence is inevitable, then we can negotiate the details of withdrawal without bloodshed. First, he must release Mujib, then recognize independence. Fighting can then stop and troops be withdrawn. If Yahya Khan wants a settlement and a peaceful transfer of power, then all he has to do is release Mujib. If he doesn't want a peaceful transfer, then we will fight to the better end.