This is final war: Yahya
NEW DELHI DEC. 4President Yahya Khan of Pakistan claimed today that the current war would be the final one with India, says agencies.
In a broadcast to his people he said that Pakistan’s friends would go to its aid. he however did not mention any name.
Gen. Yahya Khan addressed the nation in Urdu, contrary to his earlier practice of speaking in English.
Gen. Yahya khan said: “We are fighting for our country’s integrity and honour. God is with us in our mission.”
He added: “Our enemy has once again challenged us. Indian Government has launched a full-scale war on us.”
A report form Karachi says: Pakistan today proclaimed a state of war with India.
Radio Pakistan this morning quoted a Government spokesman in Rawalpindi as saying Pakistan troops were free to strike deep into India.
Pakistan declaration of war on India was published in an extraordinary gazette issued in Islamabad in the early morning.
The gazette referred to measures being taken during continuance of war.”
The Official spokesman accused India of “escalating war” against Pakistan, “The 1965 story is being repeated,” he added.
He said Pakistan forces were free to take any action.
Pakistan’s Air force Commander has called on his men to “teach the enemy a lesson.”
The Pakistan Navy has sent out a message to all its merchant navy ships informing them of “hostilities with India”
The message picked up at midnight last night by the Bambollm wireless station, six km. from Panajl, reads: “For all Pak Nave ships hostilities have broken out with India.
The message was flashed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Navy.
Meanwhile, all educational institutions in Sind and Punjab in West Pakistan, have been closed until further orders.
Radio Pakistan said today that the Indian Air Force had made a total of 24 raids against West Pakistan air bases, including those at Sargudha and Peshawar whole of last night.
In the east, the radio said, the Indians made three raids against Mauripur airfield and five raids on the PAF base at Dacca.
The radio claimed that the Pakistan Air Force had destroyed 26 Indian war planes both over East and West Pakistan in air combat and by ground fire.
The radio also that LAF attacks had been continuing since this morning but maintained that none of he Pakistani installations or bases had been damager.
The radio admitted that Pakistan lost two Sabres in air combat over Dacca today. Pilots of both aircraft were “safe and back at thefr base.”
The air action took place 15 km. from Dacca Airport.
About the Indian air attack on Islamabad airport, the radio, quoting the spokesman said, one Indian plane had been shot or damaged about five miles form Rawalpindi.
“Air battles are continuing all over,” the radio added.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 5.12.1971