DACCA: A delegation of 12 leading political leaders of East Pakistan headed by Mr Nurul Amin, called on Lt. Gen. Tikka Khan, Martial Law Administrator, Zone “B”, in Dacca this afternoon [April4]. … The leaders assured the Martial Law Administrator of their full co-operation in the restoration of complete normalcy throughout the province. To that end they offered to form a citizen’s committee in Dacca to dispel unfounded fears from the minds of the people.

The East Pakistan leaders also condemned vehemently India’s interference in the international affairs of Pakistan and denounced the baseless and malicious Indian propaganda. — Agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies in Rawalpindi] India is flying additional border security troops from Delhi to West Bengal and concentrating them along the East Pakistan Frontier. India already has over 100,000 men under arms in West Bengal, a force equivalent to five divisions. To maintain a continuous flow of reinforcements to the eastern zone, all training courses of border security force have been deferred and leave of police personnel put off.

To facilitate infiltration into East Pakistan the Indian troops are moving their official Border Security Force markings and jeeps are being re-painted in civilian colours. This infiltration of Indian armed personnel in civilian clothes into East Pakistan together with the state of alertness being maintained by the Indian Navy ... points to unmistakable Indian designs to escalate the existing Indo-Pakistan tension.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2021