NEW DELHI: The Bangla Desh Prime Minister, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has rejected an offer of direct talks by President Bhutto and reiterated his demand for diplomatic recognition before negotiations. In an interview, the Sheikh said that his sort of talking in the air will not solve any problem and the Pakistan President must recognise the reality. Sheikh Mujib hinted that Mr Bhutto must accept the lines of the peace treaty India and Bangladesh have signed. He said if there is to be a permanent peace in the Indian Sub-continent everyone should accept the reality. — News agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies in Islamabad,] More than 100 armed Indian soldiers today [March 21] raided the village Khubri in Tehsil Chachro of Tharparkar district in Sind and abducted 50 Pakistani citizens… . A small Pakistani Police force, which offered resistance, was overcome by the heavily armed raiders. The serious incident is one of a series of cease-fire violations committed by Indian troops ever since the cease-fire arrangements came into force last December. …

The official statement said that the Government of Pakistan was seriously concerned at this deliberate attempt by India to attack Pakistan territory in violation of the cease-fire. The Pakistan Government has instructed its Permanent Representative at the UN to bring this incident to the attention of the UN Secretary General… .

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2022