DIPLOMATIC OPPRESSION
The news that talks have been reopened regarding repatriation of Indian and Pakistani diplomatists in Dacca and Calcutta may or may not be encouraging. That depends upon whether speedy business results, for it is scandalous that the deadlock has continued so long already. And the blame rests squarely on Pakistan. However grave may be the differences between nations, to use these as an excuse for harassing diplomatic representatives and their families, who are supposed to be full protected by international law, is merely barbarous. In more civilized times, even on the outbreak of war it was the practice for such people to be immediately given their passports and prompt facilities under safe conduct to return to their country of origin. Today, in situations a long way short of war, diplomatists are increasingly subjected to insultor restriction of movement if not physical attack. And, what is even more disgraceful, their families are sometimes also made unwilling pawns in this game of shoddy chess.
Nor do the defections to Bangladesh of some of the staff of its former Deputy High Commission in Calcutta provide excuse for such conduct on Pakistan’s part. It is certainly no part of India’s duty to force reluctant people to return to a country where they might very easily be subject to trial by court martial, if nothing worse; nor even to compel them to be cross-examined by a representative of a regime which they loathe. If they were individually willing to meet Mr. Mehdi Masud, that might be another matter; but it is entirely possible that some at least might find such an interview embarrassing, especially if dossiers have been compiled regarding relatives and friends still in Pakistan, through whom pressure could be exerted. Moreover Pakistan did not hesitate, only a few months ago, to give asylum to air hijackers from Kashmir, who promptly proceeded to commit further crimes on Pakistani soil, without incurring adverse consequences. After that, demands for facilities on Indian soil became almost brazen.
India would have long ago been fully within her rights in taking the affair of the detained diplomatists and their families to the United Nations. She has so far preferred to try to settle it amicably. One Swiss attempt at mediation, however, broke down four weeks ago, after Pakistan shifted its position, and the success of a resumed attempt is still problematical. If indeed a basis for contact has now been informally achieved, including a reported one for ascertaining the views of those members of the former Pakistani Deputy High Commission in Calcutta who switched their allegiance, well and good. Pakistan’s acceptance of U Thant’s good offices is an encouraging factor; but so far no more than that. (Editorial]
Reference: Hindustan Standard 18.6.71