With Muktibahini in liberated areas
From Our Own Correspondent, KARIMGANJ, SEPT. 8 – I went round some liberated areas of Sylhet in the Latu sector opposite the Karimganj border yesterday where I learnt that 300 fighters of the Mukti bahini were attacking the Pakistani troops from September, Beanibazar, Kakaddip, Shahabajpur and Bariekha areas and heavy fighting has been continuing for one week. Many bunkers of Pakistani troops in the aforesaid areas have come under Mukti Fauj. Both parties are using six-pound mortars and light machine-guns. Pakistani army shells hit Indian villages in the Latu sector.
I saw villagers helping the guerrilla bahini in liberated Sylhet district. During my talk with some villagers I gathered that salt sells at Rs. 1.50 and sugar at Rs. 6 per seer and kerosene at Rs. 3 per liter in liberated areas. In some villages fully burnt and half-burnt remains of houses were shown by some youths who are in the waiting list for Muktibahini enrollment. I noticed and read some copies of the Daily Azad in a shop publishing reports of Pakistani army propaganda.
In my presence the guerilla bahini were given their midday meal, bread, meat and dal. They are ill fed and many are wearing lungis only and without shoes. These fighters are real soldiers of Bangladesh. Sounds of mortar fire, etc. are being heard from Karimganj.
Reference: Hindustan Standard, 09.09.1971