LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
DEAR EDITOR,
By the time you publish this letter in the columns of your esteemed daily, the war in East Pakistan might have been won decisively by the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini, the Bengali rebel forces. The Bangladesh government would also move to Dacca to occupy their rightful position. More countries will then come forward to recognise the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Refugees will also come back home. But I am thinking what would be the fate of about 90,000 troops, a few thousand policemen, a good number of civil officers and many businessmen from West Pakistan now bottled up in East Pakistan. They have no route to eascape from Bangladesh. After their indiscriminate killing, raping, looting and destruction for the last nine months, they cannot, expect any shelter or sympathy from the Bengali population. Many of them will naturally be killed in fighting or when fleeing. But it will be tragic to see so many human lives annihilated unnecessarily. Though the blood of the Bengali forces may be boiling in anger and hatred, they should not stoop down to the level of the West Pakistanis, to kill the civilians. They should also pardon the troops to show their greatness. To avoid further bloodshed and destruction and to save their own lives. The West Pakistani troops should immediately surrender as already advised by the Indian Eastern Commander. The West Pakistani millitary junta have made many bloody mistakes. They should now see the truth and understand that Bangladesh is a reality. They might not have cared for the lives of the Bengalis, but they must forget their pride and complex and try to save the lives of their own men who are now facing death in East Pakistan because of their stupid policy and action. They should ask their commanders in Bangladesh to surrender without hesitation. The offer of our government to mediate between Pakistan and India is too late. The war may cease after Bangladesh has been liberated. But our government may help in saving many lives by mediating between West Pakistan and Bangladesh in arranging peaceful transfer and exchange of Bengalis and non-Bengalis between West Pakistan and Bangladesh. Other friendly countries and big powers should also act towards this end.
Yours sincerely,
NURDIN Dj.
Bandeng f/30
Reference : The Djakarta Times, 16.12.1971