PRAVDA, OCTOBER 12, 1971
VICTIMS OF ARBITRARINESS
The continuing repression has deprived millions of peoples of all religions of shelter and a peaceful life. More than nine million have fled to India.
At the given moment, India is faced with the exceptionally difficult problem of feeding 9 million persons. The condition of these refugees is not easy. They are expecting India to render them shelter and hospitality. But what can India, with her own resources so limited, offer them? The total volume of foreign aid received for refugee relief up to this date is a little more than 153 million dollars. But to feed the refugees even for 6 months, India has to spend almost four times as much. That is why the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, declared that the Government is determined to take measures for the return of East Pakistani refugees to their homeland. What is meant by return is a return in an atmosphere free from fear which would guarantee the nine million peoples the safety of their honor and dignity.