This is the principle which has been guiding our endeavors. It is not easy to transform the old order without revolution, or to mould a diverse people into a modern nation on a rational basis without recourse to compulsion. The task is too vast to attempt superficial unity which comes of fanatic appeal to religion or dogma. In this quarter of a century, a rational democratic process has been established.
We have always viewed Indian problems in the larger perspective of international peace. To us, the Cold War seemed to be distracting attention from the major problems of the world and encouraging confrontation rather than cooperation. It was inevitable that the assumption of the Cold War could not pass the test out line. We welcome the détente in Europe. We are glad that China has at long last been admitted into the U.N. and that the United States and China are beginning a dialogue. In this period, France has displayed foresight and statesmanship of the highest order.
Thus, there was every reason to expect evolution towards a peaceful world and, naturally, of India. Our last general elections created the conditions of political stability which would enable more rapid economic advance.
However, within a week of the formation of the new government, without waming and without volition on our part, a tremendous new burden fell upon us. Over 9 million people of East Bengal-more or less equal to the population of Belgium or Austria-terrorized and persecuted by the military rulers of Pakistan, have been pushed inside our territory, jeopardizing our normal life and our plans for the future. Should the world not take note of this new kind of aggression? This is not a civil war in the normal sense of the word. It is genocidal punishment of civilians for having voted democratically. It is cynical use of helpless human beings as a weapon against a neighbor nation. Loyalty cannot be commanded by force. The spirit of man, his yearning for freedom and human dignity cannot be extinguished by repression.
We in India have shown the greatest self-restraint. But there is no doubt that our stability and security are threatened. Indeed we feel the threat is to the peace of the entire region. The basic cause of this crisis must be remedied. A political solution must be found, and to be effective, it must be acceptable to the elected representatives of the people of Bangladesh........
