975 বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ চতুর্দশ খন্ড শিরোনাম সূত্র তারিখ ৪০৯। আত্মসমর্পণের জন্য নিয়াজীকে কয়েক ঘণ্টা হিন্দুস্থান ষ্টান্ডার্ড ১৬ ডিসেম্বর, ১৯৭১ HINDUSTAN STANDARD, DECEMBER 16, 1971 NHAZE GIVEN A FEW HOURS TO SURRENDER From Our Special Correspondent New Delhi, December 15 -Lt. Gen. Niazi, Commander-in-Chief of the West Pakistan occupation forces in Bangladesh has requested India for a cease-fire. General Manekshaw, Chief of the Indian Army Staff, has again called for a surrender of the occupation army and given Lt. Gen. Niazi time till 9 a.m. tomorrow to accept the surrender call. As a token of his good faith. General Manekshaw has informed Lt. Gen. Niazi that India suspended air action against his forces with effect from 5 p.m. today till 9 a.m. tomorrow. Operations by Indian land forces and the Muktibahini will however, not be suspended. Lt. Gen. Niazi's request for a cease-fire in Bangladesh was conveyed in a message to General Manekshaw through the courtesy of the US Embassy at New Delhi at 12-30 p.m. The message was witnessed by Maj. Gen. Farman Ali, military adviser to the Governor under the military regime. General Manekshaw's reply was also routed through the US Embassy. The Indian spokesman who disclosed this evening that messages had passed between Lt. Gen. Niazi and General Manekshaw would not say what the former's message said. Bur General Manekshaw's reply the full text of which was released gave an indication of part of the contents of the West Pakistani Army officer's message. Gen. Manekshaw told Gen. Niazi "I have received your communication regarding cease fire in Bangladesh at 14-30 hrs, today through the American Embassy in New Delhi. I have previously informed Gen. Farman Ali in two messages that I would guarantee (A) safety of all your military and paramilitary forces who surrender to me in Bangladesh. (B) Complete protection to foreign nationals, ethnic minorities and personnel of West Pakistani origin, no matter who they may be. Since you have indicated your desire to stop fighting I expect you to issue orders to forces under your command in Bangladesh to cease fighting immediately and surrender to my advancing forces wherever they are located. I give you my solemn assurance that personnel who surrender shall be treated with dignity and respect that soldiers are entitled to and I will abide by the provisions of the Geneva Conventions. Further, as you have many wounded I shall ensure that they are
