PAKISTANI CLAIM
Pakistan anthorities Sunday claimed that two companies of Indian border security forces had been wiped out in the Banapore (Benapole) area of Jessors district, East Pakistan.
The two companies were part of a group of infiltrators crossing into East Pakistan from India over the border near Jessore, Radio Pakistan said.
Earlier, the radio said that two men of Indian border security forces had been captured alive at Banapole on Saturday. The radio also stated that the flight would be operated between Dacca and Chittagong and Dacca and Jessore. The radio added that inland water transport had already resumed normal operations in East Bengal.
Pakistan radio further said that the Indian forces were armed with mortar, machineguns and rifles.
In Calcutta the press Trust of India (P.T.I.) said that three members of the Indian Border security forces were subjected to heavy shelling and bombing.
Major Osman also said there was heavy fighting in the Jessore area.
Defence in Rajshahi Strengthened
The secessionists were strengthening their own defences in Rajshahi 130 km (80 miles) south of Dinajpur and 12 kilometers (eight miles) from the Indian border, in preparation for a possible Army attack, the reports said.
Reported Casualties
Official Indian sources Sunday reported reliable estimates reaching New Delhi that about 3,000 Pakistan Army personnel have been killed in the East Pakistan fighting.
A large number of soldiers have been taken prisoners are missing the official sources added.
They said 109 Pakistan Defence Service personnel, including six officers had taken shelter in India.
Djakarta Times, 18th April 1971
সূত্র: আন্তর্জাতিক গণমাধ্যম ও মুক্তিযুদ্ধ ১৯৭১ . ১ম খণ্ড – মুনতাসীর মামুন