‘Mischievous attack’ by Pindi, says J. Ram
“The Times of India” News Service
Bombay, July 19.—The Defence Minister, Mr: Jagjivan Ram, said here yesterday that Pakistan was committing a “mischievous aggression” by driving out millions of people from Bangla Desh.
He was addressing officers and sailors of the Western Naval Command on board the INS “Vikrant”.
PTI adds: The event in Bangla Desh had added an urgency to the task of the country’s defence preparedness which, of course, did not brook any let-up in view of the continuing threat to our security from Pakistan and China.
The Minister said the people had full confidence in the ability of the armed forces. The country’s long coast line was safe in the hands of the Navy.
Mr. Jagjivan Ram pointed out that India was looking after the freedom fighters who had come from Bangladesh. But they would go back only to a free and democratic Bangladesh of Mujibur Rahman. He was confident that the Mukti Fauj would ultimately succeed in establishing a free Bangladesh.
Mr. Ram said our Border Security Force was dealing with Pakistani intrusions on the eastern region.
The Minister was welcomed by Vice-Admiral S. N. Kohli, FOC-in-C, Western Command.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 20.7.1971