পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (চতুর্দশ খণ্ড).pdf/৮৬৯

837 বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ চতুর্দশ খন্ড শিরোনাম সূত্র তারিখ ৩৪৩। একটি রাজনৈতিক সমাধান দি ষ্টেটম্যান ৩০ জুন, ১৯৭১ (সম্পাকীয়) Editorial THE STATESMAN, JUNE 30, 1971 A MILITARY SOLUTION New Delhi has shown considerable political maturity in resisting pressures for direct action to create conditions in which the refugees from East Bengal can return to their homes; India could only further complex situation, with incalculable consequences for herself as well for others, by seeking a military solution to the problems created by the East Bengal events. It would be unfortunate if president Yahya Khan's broadcast on Monday is seen as justifying the views that there is no alternative to direct intervention; while it was being suggested openly or by implication, that a reasonable political settlement might still be possible. General Yahya has now made it clear that what he is seeking in East Bengal is nothing but a military solution. He claims that conditions in East Bengal have returned to normal; yet martial law will continue. The National Assembly will be convened, but it will not be allowed to frame a constitution nor will the party which won a majority of the Assembly seats be represented in the House. Indeed such Awami League members as may be allowed to sit in the Assembly will clearly have to disown their allegiance to the party, the others will be disqualified and replaced by Islamabad's nominees through by elections whose outcome will surely be decided in advance. In plain words, the West Pakistani colonial domination over East Bengal will continue to be mentioned by military force, but puppet civilian Government and certain pseudo-democratic appendages will now be introduced to give this repressive rule a semblance of legality. This will be far more dangerous than a naked military dictatorship, after a time many helpless people in East Bengal may resign themselves to this monstrous deception and the world outside may conveniently find in this resignation some evidence of popular acceptance. The world must decide now whether it will allow the Yahya regime to get away with this cruel trick which will bethe final negation of every democratic principle. The Nixon Administration has not covered itself with glory over the arms shipments to Pakistan, but it is still for many committed to the idea of a political settlement and may still be in a position to make Islamabad abandon its search for a permanent military solution. Other countries, which have more specifically urged the Pakistan Government to seek a settlement with the Awami League must immediately reinforce their pressure. President Yahya Khan's choice of a military solution does not oblige others to arrive at the same conclusion. So-called strong action can only be an evasion of the responsibility of seeking a political answer to the East Bengal crisis.