পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (সপ্তম খণ্ড).pdf/১২৬

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বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র : সপ্তম খণ্ড
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assistance in repairing the damage to the economic life of East Pakistan. At present, we are engaged in consultations with friendly governments and with the U. N. Secretary-General for securing the necessary help for relief work in different fields.

 Our plans for reconstruction of the economy and an early resumption of political activity in East Pakistan are threatened by India's continued interference in our internal affairs. Armed infiltration and open encouragement and assistance to secessionists have heightened tension between the two countries. There has also been a spate of unfriendly statements from responsible sources in India, threatening unilateral action against Pakistan if we did not yield to arbitrary demands. The need of the hour is to desist from such actions and statements as would further inflame the situation. It is through discussions and not through conflict that problems can be resolved. Statesmanship demands exercise of caution and restraint so that our problems are not further complicated.

We want to live in peace

 As I have said before, armed conflict would solve nothing. On out r part, we want to live in peace and harmony with all our neighbors. We do not interfere in the affairs of other people, and we will not allow anyone else to interfere in ours. If, however, a situation is forced upon us, we are fully prepared to defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Let there be no misunderstanding or miscalculation about our resolve to maintain the independence and solidarity of Pakistan.

 My dear countrymen, in the end I would again like to impress upon you that this is an hour of trial for the nation. Each one of us has to do his utmost honestly and sincerely so that our homeland, which is so dear to us, continues its march on the path of progress. No sacrifice would be too great to bring back economic stability and to ensure the unity of Pakistan. What we need to meet this challenge is a revival of the sprit and enthusiasm with which we succeeded in establishing Pakistan, and firm determination and resolute will which we have on many occasions shown in defending our country from internal and external threats.

 Our enemies are gloating on false hopes of disunity amongst our ranks. They have tried their level best to undo our dear country, but they forget that they are dealing with a people who have an unshakable reliance on the help of almighty God. Let us rise to the occasion, let us come up to the expectations of the Father of the Nation and once again prove it to our enemies that we are a united nation, always ready to frustrate their designs and foil their evil intention, and that any effort to harm us will spell their own disaster.

 I have full faith in the patriotism of our people and I am sure that every single Pakistani will cooperate with me wholeheartedly in the achievement of our common goal, namely, the restoration of democracy in the country, preservation of its integrity and solidarity and battlement of the lot of the common man. My God grant us success in our efforts. God bless you all.