Morning News
16th August 1958
Split in Awamis Over Physical Demonstration
MUJIB OPPOSES IDEA: “SHOW’ON AUGUST 19
By A Staff Reporter
Sharp difference of opinion was reported in the Awami camp yesterday on the question of physical demonstration for the assessment of the strength of the two contending parties in the East Pakistan Assembly.
Both the KSP and the Awami League reiterated their claims yesterday that they commanded the majority in the provincial Assembly but only the KSP expressed its full willingness for demonstration of strength ‘anywhere in East Pakistan.’ On the other hand, the Awami General secretary, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman again emphatically asserted that his party was opposed to the very idea of this demonstration. He said, “We will not go to power; power will come to us.” He, however, did not object to the holding of a special session of the Assembly to decide the issue. Indications were also available that there was a considerably strong section of the Awami League Coalition party, headed by “senior” statesmen, which did not totally disapprove the idea of physical demonstration. They did not like the “spirit of the procedure but “indignantly” accepted because the Central Government opposed determined to take a decision only on the basis of such a demonstration. The two groups were reported to have met at the residence of an influential leader of the party to discuss the issue threadbare. Meanwhile, the NAP circles continued to profess their support to the coalition headed by Mr. Ataur Rahman Khan. They were also stated to have handed over a signed document” signifying their support. The NAP chief, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, who is now on a tour of the Middle East countries, was also reported to have cut down his trip in view of the recent political developments in this country. He was expected back in Pakistan within a week.
NAP TO BE ROPED IN?
Physical observers pointed out that a particular section of the Awami League was also “eager” to see that some members of the NAP joined the Provincial Cabinet with Mr. Ataur Rahman Khan as its leader. This step, they suggested, could ensure the NAP’s support on “firm” footing. The sudden postponement of the visit of the two Central Ministers, Mr. Amjad Ali and Mian Jaffar Shah has, however, again added uncertainly to the political situation which was crystallising. It was also learnt that the Awami …. today (Saturday) from Karachi, has also deffered his departure from Karachi for a day or two.
‘SHOW’ON AUG. 19
PPA adds from Karachi: Central authorities have fixed Aug. 19 for the two rival parties, the Krishak Sramik Party and the Awami League, to demonstrate their respective strength, it was reliably learnt today. A senior official of the Pakistan Government, Pir Ahsanuddin, has proceeded to Dacca to supervise, in conjunction with the East Pakistan Governor, the demonstratior of strength by the two contending parties. He will report back the result to the Central Government.
It is gathered that the Governor will ask only those MPAs to appear before him on the appointed date whose loyalties to the KSP will be challenged by the Awami League. These members will be asked to make a declaration before the Governor stating their allegiance or otherwise to the KSP.
Meanwhile the KSP leader, Mr. Yusuf Aliu Choudhry is believed to have advised his partymen to be in Dacca before Aug 19. He conferred with me…again this morning. The Governor and Pir Ahsanuddin will after examining these members prepare a joint report and submit it to the Central Cabinet. Mohan Mia today postponed his departure for Dacca. Mr. Abdul Latif Biswas and Mr. Abdul Matin are catching midnight plane for Dacca.