League secessionists, anti-social elements and infiltrators brought untold sufferings to innocent people. A large number of them were terrorized and uprooted and their properties were mercilessly destroyed. They have my fullest sympathy as also the sympathy of the entire nation. It would be inhuman if their speedy rehabilitation is not given priority and the attention it deserves. I would like to repeat once again that all citizens of Pakistan, of any religion, caste or creed, who crossed the border and went into India, because of the panic due to false propaganda by the rebels, miscreants and others, must return to their homes and hearths. The Government of East Pakistan have made all necessary arrangements for their reception and transportation. I would ask the Indian Government not to put impediments in the way of these unfortunate people, who want to resume their normal lives in their own homes and who want to be re-united with their near and dear ones We shall gladly and gratefully accept any assistance that the United Nations can extend in facilitating the move of these displaced persons back to Pakistan.
Participation of the people
I have heard a view being expressed that power should not be transferred to elected representatives of the people until complete normally has returned in every sphere. I am afraid I do not agree with this view, because it is utterly, in realistic and impractical. It also ignores one very important aspect of national life, which is that normalcy in its accepted meaning can never return to a country without full participation of the people in its administration. The very process of bringing back.
Transfer of power in about four months
I firmly believe that as soon as we have acquired a basis infrastructure of law and order and the various echelons of the administration gather full strength it will be possible for me to put my plan of transfer of power into operation. Appreciating the situation as it exists today and as it is likely to develop in the near future, it is my hope and belief that I would be able to achieve my goal in a matter of four months or so. The precise timing will naturally depend on the internal and external situation at the time. I am absolutely convinced that the country's integrity and well being lie in fulfillment of the plan that I have just outlined to you and in the achievement of the final objective.
Let me now turn to the vital subject of the economy. Recent events have cast their shadow on the general economic situation. The economy had been subjected to serious strains during a long period of political uncertainty before and after the elections. In March, the economy of East Pakistan was brought to a virtual standstill.
With the success of army action, the situations generally returning to normal and economic activity is reviving in the province. I am sure that all patriotic elements in the province would rally round the forces of law and order to achieve complete normalcy and to restart the process building up the economy of Pakistan.
The rehabilitation of the economy will demand both short-term measures and long-term strategy to rehabilitate it and revive it to its full vigor. For this purpose, we have
