NEW DELHI: Regular Indian and Pakistan Forces were within striking distance of each other today [April 12] in a confrontation which could lead to a wider war on the Indian sub-continent. The Pakistani troops drove to within eight miles of India’s West Bengal border on Saturday [April 10] when they captured Nibaran, a town which leads to the Indian border checkpost of Petrapole. In reaction, Indian troops moved to within half mile of the same frontier. ...India fully supported the “Bangla Desh” rebels and would like nothing better than to have a friendly government in East Bengal. — Agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies from Dacca,] The Chanpur area in Comilla district has been cleared of all miscreants by the Pakistan troops.... These miscreants were harassing the local population who sought the help of the Army.

Meanwhile ... Lt-General Tikka Khan, Governor, of East Pakistan and MLA, Zone ‘B’, has ... assured all the people, including those belonging to the minority community, that the administration will provide all possible protection to their life and property.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2021