APCC (R) takes serious note of Pakistan’s war preparations
From our Gauhati Office, OCTOBER 22.-The Assam Pradesh Congress (R) Committee in a lengthy resolution yesterday took a serious note of the ‘warlike preparations of the Pakistani forces’ and called upon the Government and the people to become alert and take necessary steps to face the situation with courage and determination.”
In this critical situation, it said, the north-easter region, particularly Assam, “Will have to play a major role being in the position of sentinel.” The committee, presided over by Mr. B. C. Bhagawati, appealed to the people of the region to rise to the occasion as one man, maintain a unity of purpose irrespective of party and other considerations and, in the interest of national security, take all necessary steps in concert with the Government.
The committee still hoped that the international community would succeed to create pressure on Pakistan to bring about a political settlement with Bangladesh leaders and ensure the return of about 10 million evacuees with safety and honour.
The committee also feared that such intervention by the world community might not happy “Due to intransigence Pakistani military dictator”. The committee called upon the Government and the people to organise civil defence including air raid precautions and to be vigilant against “Fifth Column activities of enemy agents and spiesparticularly, their attempts at sabotage.”
The committee felt that strengthening of the security arrangements, home guards and fire-fighting organisations and building up Shanti Senas and emergency relief committees were immediately necessary.
“The Government should see that the supply of essential commodities to this part of the country is maintained, a sufficient reserve is built up and controls on the distribution is introduced where necessary.”
“The people should be prepared to face any situation of depreviations and work for the production aiming at self-sufficiency.”
The APCC today also recorded its consensus of ‘no objection to the revised NEC scheme, though no formal resolution was adopted.
Mr. Dharanidhar Basumatari, MP, out of three contestants, was elected Vice-President of the APCC. Out of the eight candidates for three vacancies, Mr. Robin Kakoti, MP Dr. Bhumidhar Barman and Mr. Pradosh Kumar Choudhury, were elected to the AICC.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 23.10.1971