No War, says Ram
VARANASI, June 21.–The Defence Minister, Mr. Jagjivan Ram has said that India would not like to declare a war on Pakistan on the Bangladesh issue, reports PTI.
Addressing the Ninth Charter Night meeting of the Lions Club of Varanasi here yesterday he said “as the lion never attacks a jackal” so a strong country did not have a war with the weak.
Moreover, why should the deeds for which Pakistan was being looked down upon by the world, be committed by India, he asked.
Mr. Ram said : “Our policy has always been of winning the heart of others. We do not believe in winning any battle at the cost of humanity. Victory at the cost of humanity is no victory.”
He said Bangladesh affairs posed a danger to India, “but we have the courage to face it.” The problem of refugees had affected Indias Development programme as about Rs 150 crore were being spent daily on the refugees. These refugees had togo back to their own homes.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 25.6.1971