NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi said today [Jan 21] that she is ready to hold talks with the President of Pakistan Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Mrs Gandhi … told journalists at Imphal in Manipur state she was ready to discuss problems of mutual interest with the Pakistani leader provided he accepted the reality of Bangla Desh. This will contribute to peace and prosperity of the two countries. She reiterated her stand for normal relations with all countries including Pakistan. Asking when she proposed to visit Bangla Desh Mrs Gandhi replied “after some time”. She will go to Calcutta on February 6 to receive Bangla Desh Premier Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who will arrive for a two-day visit of West Bengal. — News agencies.

[Meanwhile, news agencies report from the United Nations,] The United Nations has offered to supply “Bangla Desh” with 200,000 tons of foodgrains a month to help meet its immediate and urgent requirements, it was announced on Friday [Jan 21]. Paul Marc Henry, Assistant Secretary-General for Relief and Rehabilitation, said that 250,000 tons of foodgrains were already in the pipeline for “Bangla Desh”. The U.N. would also supply 400 trucks, 200 of which were already in the pipeline to “Bangla Desh”, he added.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2022