PM: Not a purely Pak affari
From Kapil Varma
Hindustan Times Correspondent
Lucknow, April 13-Prime Minister Indira Ghandi said here today the country had to be wide awake about the current developments in East Bengal and Ceylon,
Addressing the Congress (N) MPs. MLAs and members of the UPCE (N) Executive and Parliamentary Board. She said the events posed a danger to India as well. India did not want to interfere in other countries affairs, but it could not close its eyes to what was happening there, for it was bound to have its impact on this country.
She said “we were happy at Mr Mujibur Rahman’s declaration after his success in the elections that he wanted good relations with India. It was a very good opportunity, though it would have been more profitable to Pakistan than to India. Unfortunately, this path was not followed.”
Asking the people to be vigilant, she emphasised the real strength lay in the strength of the country’s economy, its unity and its social set up.
Mrs Ghandi said India would not like to remain a silent spectator to what was happening in Bangla Desh, adds UNI. What was happening there could not be described as purely internal affairs of Pakistan, she said.
Mobbed
Later, in Rae Bareli, she told newsmen China’s “open support” to West Pakistan’s military regime would not affect India’s stand open the issue. “Our attitude does not depend on that of others. We take decision independently,” she added.
Asked whether India would recognise the Provisional Government of Bangldesh, Mrs Gandhi remarked: “We will consider.”
Mrs Ghandi arrived in Rae Bareli this morning on a day’s visit to her constituency – first since her massive poll victory-to thank the electorate. She was accompanied by U. P. Chief Minister, Mr Kamlapati Tripathi.
Later in the evening, Mrs Ghandhi left for Lucknow on her way to New Delhi.
Police had a tough time cording off an enthuslastic crowd at Amausi Airport this morning, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi arrived on her way to Rae Bareli.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 14.4.1971