India has no intention to wage war : PM
From Four Special Correspondent, New Delhi Oct. 18.—The Prime Minister told the Yugoslav President here today that India had no intention to wage a war against Pakistan but she would take all measures to defend her territorial integrity and sovereignty.
President Tito and Mrs. Gandhi had more than two hours’ talks this morning with the help of aides from both sides. Various international problems were discussed but India’s emphasis was on the Bangladesh developments and Pakistan’s warlike posture.
President Tito it is learnt agreed that that (I) a political solution to the Bangladesh issue must be found and conditions created for the safe return of the refugees to East Bangal (II) People have every right to fight against colonialism: and (IIN India has every right to defend her own territory and sovereignty.
The Prime Minsiter was reported to have told President Tito that India had to under take defensive movements of the Army after Pakistan evacuated civilians from the border areas and moved it army to the borders in full offensive strength. India on her part had not evacuated any civilian from any part of the vast border areas, but Pakistan had openly launched what they called a “Crush India” campaign.
The Prime Minister told the Yugoslav leader and he needed with her-that no country could neglect its defence arrangements and that Pakistan misunderstood India’ attitude of restraint.
During the discussion, the Prime Minister told President Tito that the entire affair was between Pakistan and East Bengal and that India had nothing to do with it. Any political settlement acceptable to the already elected representatives of East Bengal would naturally be acceptable to India, but it was for the East Bengal people themselves to accept any settlement.
She however, warned Yuguslavia that no settlement with any puppets or quislings would be acceptable to the people of Bangladesh.
President Yahya Khan had it is said expressed his “desire” to meet Mrs. Gandhi anywhere anytime. But it was he, who, like an uncivilised creature, had told a correspondent of Le Figaro of Paris recently that if he met Mrs. Gandhi, he would ask her to shut up and keep quiet. As such India could not accept the Pakistani President’s so-called “desire” at its face value. Moreover, India had the experience of three attacks by Pakistan in the past
Mrs. Gandhi saids the Pakistani allegations that India had been preventing the refugees from going back to Pakistan were absolitely baseless. Even after Pakistan declared the so-called amnesty, more than five million refugees crossed over to India. And the fact that even now about 40,000refugees were coming over to the Indian side every day showed that things were far from using norinal in East Bengal.
Mrs. Gandhi. it is learnt acquainted President Tito with the entire background of the Bangladesh developments. She pointed out that the hard core of Bangladesh freedom fighters was formed of the former members of the East Bengal Rifles. With them had joined subasquently about 100,000 volunters. These people had been fighting for their freedom with arms captured from the Pakistani side.
The Prime Minister underlined that confidence must be created among the refugees so that they could go back in secure conditions. They must also have their inalienable right to freedom. But India did not interfere with East Bengal affairs either during or after last year’s elections. India’s hopes for normalisation of relations with Pakistan, had been belied.
The discussions also covered the West Asia situation and SouthEast Asia.
On the Indian side were present among others, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Swaran Singh, the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation. Dr Karan Singh, the Deputy Minister for External Affairs. Mr. Surendra Pal Singh, the Foreign Secretary. Mr. T. N. Kaul and the Secretary (East), Mr. S. K. Banerjee.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 19. 10. 1971