because democracy really worked, not in the United States or Great Britain, but that it really worked in India under the most appalling conditions possible. And it is working. This tragedy sets back India's progress and it is totally disruptive of all its domestic policies that were just beginning to show results. Results that were necessary if democracy is to succeed in India. This is the tragedy within the tragedy.
INDIAN ARMY VIEWED AS LIBERATORS INSIDE BANGLADESH
After exercising 8 months of incredible compassion, restraint, and patience, India finally sent her troops into Bangladesh in support of the Bengalis. The people of East Pakistan who won the election on a basis of regional autonomy-correcting years of economic exploitation by the West Wing-and who only began to work toward total independence after the army swept through on March 25 are welcoming the Indian Army as liberators. Indian troops are co-operating closely with the vast majority of the people of Bangladesh, and they are acting in coordination with the Mukti Bahini, the liberation fighters.
In my view, India moved because she could see no possible way for the refugees ever to return home unless strong action was taken. Let me say, Mr. Speaker, that I regret that India viewed her own national security in a manner that convinced her that military action was essential. No one welcome this war, and probably no one is more distressed about its necessity than Indian leaders themselves. Certainly this war is anathema to Prime Minister Gandhi.
India has enough land and enough people, she does not need or want more. An independent Bangladesh could well cause grave problems within India because other national groups in certain territories may want to move toward the same thing, particularly in the strife ridden Indian state of West Bengal, where the vast majority of the refugees now are.
I repeat: India moved into East Pakistan because it was the only way she could see to have the refugees stop their incredible drain on her economy and her very future.
THE SIN OF THE BENGALIS WAS TO WIN AN ELECTION
Mr. Speaker, we must wonder why, if this entire war is a cynical master exercise in global politics and directed solely at the breakup of the state of Pakistan, the Indian Army is being hailed at every town and village as liberators. If the Government of Pakistan is indeed the offended party in this matter, why flowers, for invaders; why cheers for violators of the sacred soil of Pakistan? Why, Mr. Speaker?
Quite simply, in my view, because India is working closely with the legitimate government of Bangladesh. The Awami League won 167 of the 169 seats contested in East Pakistan in the December election and this gave them a majority of the whole country. I am somewhat astounded that some of my colleagues in the Congress should so casually dismiss an election victory of such an overwhelming magnitude, I am puzzled that those of us who depend on the will of the people can overlook the fantastic impact this win had on the people of East Pakistan.
