Did Mujib commit a blunder by switching over from non-violent resistance to fighting? “I cannot sit in judgment on Mujib”, said Mr. Narayan. In any event he saw signs of non-violent resistance in the offensive of the ill-equipped Bangladesh forces. Yahya who obviously took his lessons from Hitler was clearly determined to stamp out the freedom movement. As a true Gandhite Mr. Narayan said that a situation which would have led to the degrading of human dignity called for the taking up arms.
Then came up the crucial question. What should India do? Mr. Narayan made his point in no uncertain terms, “I had said even before the formation of the Bangladesh Government and repeat now. India must recognize the concept of Bangladesh and give it all possible assistance. “This might conceivable to lead to Pakistani military action against India but that was an unavoidable risk. He hastened to add that he was no warmonger and was against India taking a warlike initiative. And following India recognition of Bangladesh, he hoped material help would flow to the afflicted area from other countries.
Mr. Narayan could not say how long it would take for the evacuees to return safely to their homes. Six monthes, may be a year. But the right conditions for their return must be-and, he hoped, would be-created. And that of course meant Bangladesh throwing off Yahya’s military Yoke.
