Yaha’s war threat to India
NEW DELHI, July 19. PRESIDENT YAHYA KHAN of Pakistan has blown hot and cold in the same breath, threatening total war on India while at the same time seeking her help for the return of refugees.
The Pakistani President talked of declaring “general war” on India in an interview with the correspondent of “The Financial Times”, broadcast by BBC today.
“Any attempt by India to seize part of East Pakistan as a rebel base”, he said, ‘would be treated as an attack on Pakistan. ” I shall declare a general war and let the world take note of it.”
About East Bengal refugees in India, he said he was prepared to have an international body of U. N. observers in East Pakistan to supervise their return, but India would have to help.
MUJIB TO BE TRIED
The Bangla Desh hero, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, might die a martyr’s death in West Pakistan following trial by a military court.
General Yahya Khan has made it finally known that the Sheikh will be tried by a military court and that be might get the death penalty.
The Pakistani President said that the trial, to take place very soon, would be held in camera. The Sheikh would be allowed a Pakistani lawyer to plead for him.
General Yahya Khan said the maximum penalty can extend up to death sentence. Appeal against the sentence would lie with him as also pardon.— PTI.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 20.7.1971