CALCUTTA: Indian troops still left in Bangla Desh will be pulled out by next March 25, it was announced in a joined communique released here today [Feb 8]. The communique was issued following wide-ranging talks here between Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the Indian Prime Minister, Mrs Indira Gandhi on Sunday [Feb 6] and Monday. It said Sheikh Mujib paid tribute to the Indian forces for the part they played in the liberation of Bangla Desh. “The task having been completed the two Prime Ministers felt that these armed forces should be withdrawn. The withdrawal of the Indian armed forces would be completed by March 25.”

Some 150,000 Indian troops are believed to have marched into East Pakistan last December. According to informed sources, about 50,000 Indian troops are still left in Bangla Desh. — News agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by this newspaper from Rawalpindi,] Replying to questions ... this evening [Feb 8], the Political Affairs Minister, Mr Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi … complained that there was some contradiction in India’s professions and actions. “According to Press reports from India, India is now said to be willing for talks but at the same time we are receiving these reports of massive troops movements from occupied Kashmir and towards our borders,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2022