Sadruddin calls for a new climate of confidence
PARIS, JULY 10. – Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, yesterday called for a new climate of confidence to facilitate the repatriation of the East Bengali refugees who have fled to India, reports Reuter.
“The right conditions must be created to give the millions of refugees in India enough confidence to return to East Pakistan of their own free will,” he told a Press conference here.
Asked about the fate of Hindu East Bengalis, he replied : “Both the Pakistan and Indian Governments have said they make no distinction between Hindu and Moslem refugees.”
“It would be deplorable for a continent which has suffered so much religious strife to face a new religious confrontation,” he added.
He described the situation as “a colossal human problem” involving one of the biggest population displacements of its kind in modern history.
“We know that many are still crossing daily,” he said. “but we hope the movement will tall off”.
“In less than two months the U. N. has channeled $100 million worth of emergency relief into India and we shall need over $400 million for the next six months,” he said.
“All Government must give – and give generously,” he appealed.
In reply to a question he said it would be “catastrophic” if the United Nations was forced to set up a permanent aid organisations for the East Bengal refugees, similar to that which has existed since 1948 for the Palestinian refugees.
Reference: Hindustan Standard, 11.07.1971