India orders unilateral truce in the west
From Our Special Correspondent, NEW DELHI, DEC. 16.—The West Pakistani occupation troops in Bangladesh surrendered to the Indian and Mukti Bahini forces at 4-31 p.m. today. A few hours later, the Prime Minister announced that India had ordered her armed forces to cease-fire unilaterally everywhere on the western front with effect from 8 p.m. tomorrow.
Mrs. Gandhi expressed an carnest desire that there would be a corresponding and immediate response from Islamabad. She reiterated that India had no territorial ambitions.
In Islamabad. General Yahya Khan could no longer refuse to recognise what had happened in Bangladesh, but, in a broadcast in the evening, said that the war against India would continue.
The termination of the war in Bangladesh has cleared the way for recognition of the new country by the Soviet Union, but it cannot yet be said when recognition will actually come. It is unlikely to be delayed long.
Mr. Swaran Singh, the Foreign Minister, who is in Lake Success now who was instructed by Mrs. Gandhi to make a statement at the U.N. tonight about New Delhi’s unilateral decision to cease-fire on the western front, has informed the U.N. body.
Agencies add: The unilateral cease-fire declaration, climaxed a day of dramatic developments, was decided upon at a hurriedly convened meeting of the Union Cabinet.
After the Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister called a meeting of the leaders of Opposition parties to consult them on the Government’s decision.
Announcing the decision Government spokesman said: “We have repeatedly that India declared has no territorial ambitions. Now that Pakistani armed forces have surrendered in Bangladesh, and Bangladesh now is free, it is pointless in our view to continue the present conflict.
“Therefore, in order to stop bloodshed and unnecessary loss of life, we have ordered our armed forces to cease-fire front with effect from 8 p.m. IST on Friday December 17, 1971.”
The spokesman added: “It is our earnest hope that there will be a corresponding and immediate response from the Government of Pakistan.”
Meanwhile President Yahya Khan told his people tonight that “temporary retreat on one front in such a big war, did not mean the end of the war, adds PTI.
In a broadcast over Radio Pakistan the President said, “God willing, the holy jehad against the treacherous enemy-India—will continue till victory is ours”.
Throughout his 20 minute address President Yahya Khan did not refer to the events in East Bengal as “surrender” of his forces. He said what had happened in the eastern wing was that Pakistan forces had been overwhelmed by the enemy, which had great superiority in numbers and weapons.
“This enemy also had the support of a great power,” he said without naming it.
Exhorting his people, he said “Our armed forces will not rest content till we throw the enemy out of our borders.”
Appealing to the friendly countries, who, had said he supported the just cause of Pakistan in the US. President Yahya Khan said. “We have accepted the principles of the UN Charter. We have always abided by the decision of the UN and in future too we shall abide by them provided they brought about a solution to the present situation in keeping with the national integrity and honour of Pakistan.
In this “historic war”, he said. Pakistan was not alone. The great people of China and of the UN had been with her, Pakistan was thankful to them.
He was also thankful to the Afro-Asian countries, which he said had stood by Pakistan.
Ignoring the reality of Bangladesh. Gen. Yahya Khan announced that a new constitution would be announced on December 20, guaranteeing the maximum possible autonomy to East Pakistan and maintaining what he called the integrity of a United Pakistan for which he claimed the people of both wings had made great sacrifices.
Governments at the Centre and in the provinces would also be formed later.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 17. 12. 1971