Yahya’s threat not taken seriously by Kashmiris
SRINAGAR, July 22.—The Kashmir Rehabilitation Minister, Mr. Randhir Singh, said today that the people living in the border areas of the State, have “not taken seriously President Yahya Khan’s threat to declare war against India, says UNI.
In a statement, he said: “In my recent tour of Chharn, Jaurian. Rajouri and Poonch ares. I found the morale of the people were very high and they were prepared to face any threat of Yahya’s army.”
Meanwhile, the local Urdu Press has condemned the reported statement of the Pakistan President.
The official organ of the Congress (R) “Daily Khidmat,” condemned Pakistan’s threat of war in its editorial.
Describing the Indian preparedness to meet any threat of Pakistan the “Khidmat” said it would be suicidal for Pakistan to attack India.
Another popular newspaper, The “Nava Sansar” said the Pakistani President had resorted to the threat of war only to maintain his lies which he had been telling to the world that the real troubles was not with the people of Bangladesh but with India. .
Narrating ‘how’ Pakistan was spreading false propaganda against India, the paper said “anyhow we should always be ready to meet any mischief of Pakistan.”
The Rajasthan Government is fully aware of the situation on the border and is capable of meeting any eventuality, the Chief Minister, Mr. Barkatullah Khan said in Jalpur today.
Commenting on the border situation, the Chief Minister told newsmen before leaving for Udaipur: “We fully understand the implications of the statements being made by the Pakistani President.”
Reference: Hindustan Standard 23.7.1971