its borders. We asked why the Pakistani forces had been moved to our borders and whether it did not involve a risk to our security. If we withdrew our forces, they had to be moved far from the borders where our cantonments and other arrangements exist. But the cities and cantonments of Pakistan are quite close to their borders. If they withdraw just a little, they will still be in a advantageous position. They can reach the borders quickly whenever they want to attack us. We cannot do so. Who are there to guarantee that if we are attacked, they would help us and get us back quickly the land occupied by the aggressor? Nobody is prepared to consider this aspect of the matter. They all say that the forces must be withdrawn. We do not say “No” to this demand. We have suggestions make. But how far is it proper that only the suggestions made by the other party should be accepted? Our suggestion is that the Pakistani forces should be withdrawn from East Bengal. It is their arrival and their stay which has resulted in a reign of terror there and the influx of refugees into this country. If they leave East Bengal, the fighting will stop immediately. But no one is prepared to think on these lines.
We were also told to agree to have U.N. observers on our eastern border as well. As far as I am aware, a few of them were there. Possibly they are still there. But the question is why should they be posted there? Will their presence ensure the return of the refugees? The refugees say they will not go back unless there is complete peace in Bangladesh. Now can we ask them to go when we see there is a war in progress there, people are being massacred, woman are being tortured and one village after another is being set on fire? How can we ask them to return under these conditions? The first duty of the world community as well as our own is to try to establish peace there. We waited for many days, waited to see if other countries could help in the matter and stop the reign of terror.
I visited some countries in Europe and the United States. I was assured everywhere that they agreed with me on the need of a political solution to restore peace in Bangladesh and to ensure the return to the refugees. They said they were stressing this aspect of the problem. But nothing came out of it. We do not threaten, nor do we raise a hue and cry. Bt we know what is in our national interest and we are not going to give it up. The people of East Bengal are shedding their blood to achieve freedom. This has happened in the past in our country as well. A large number of farmers, intellectuals and members of the Bar sacrificed their lives for freedom. Now if some countries want that we should not defend our freedom and allow them to carry out their own evil designs. We cannot be the victims of their evil, designs.
Every citizen of this country has to share this burden, be the young or old, man or woman. We have to share all hardships and meet the danger. Although the whole country has to bear the burden, you in Bengal have to heap a little more of it. We should be prepared for whatever happened.
I assure you that I do not want war. I earnestly desire peace. I know what war is and how it affects the people, especially the weaker section of the community. I detest war. It is my sincere wish that I should not be instrumental in bringing about war. Nehru talked much about peace but even he said that if we have to meet any attack on our freedom we must do so with all our might.
