96.1 বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ চতুর্দশ খন্ড proceeding satisfactorily white in the north. Indian troops have been moving quite rapidly from Mymensingh in the directions of Tangail. Maj. Gen. Jacob told newsmen that several thrusts were actually being developed towards Dacca. Considering the terrain, the rivers and marshes and the large number of bridges destroyed by the Pakistani troops some problems of logistics were bound to develop. Even then Indian troops were advancing extremely fast especially because the Pakistanis were fighting quite desperately. The tempo of the fighting was quite bitter he said. The important point about operation Dacca is that Indian troops have crossed the Meghna, which is about 1,200 yards wide and they are all proceeding towards Dacca. For purposes of reinforcements every effort is being made to get the advantage of local experience, steamers etc. Without disclosing any part of the Indian strategy it can be said that building up of forces is continuing with the help of steamers, helicopters and other rivercraft. Against this background perhaps can be explained the effoerts of they key Pakistani personnel at Dacca to get out of Bangladesh. This they had tried to do by stealthy air fights and other means, but it is presumed they have not succeeded in their attempt so far. Explaining the advances now being made by Indian troops along various sectors. Maj. Gen. Jacob said that the Indian troops were right now launching a major attack on Khulna and "we hope to be there soon". Kushtia which was heavily defended was liberated on Saturday. There was bitter fighting there. The enemy engaged Indian tanks and set up numerous bankers. But after overpowering the enemy at this point Indian troops were now proceeding towards the Padma. Further east, after taking Maymensingh Indian troops are marching towards Tangail. Right now they are near the dense Madhupur forest. Similarly Indian troops are proceeding south from Jamalpur. In the Sylhet sector mopping up operation is going on and Pakistani troops are moving about in a scattered manner and occasionally shots are being fired in the air to Signal them about the position of Indian troops giving them a chance to surrender. Giving a description of the casualties Maj. Gen. Jacob said that Pakistani casualties were quite heavy. In one action Indian casualties have also been heavy in most cases these have been light to moderate. The Pakistanis are still holding out at Mainamati garrison. It was not the intention of Indian troops to indulge in unnecessary killing. They will therefore be given another chance to surrender. If they do not they will be adequately dealt with. Agencies add : Indian troops on Sunday reached Khulna Cantonment (Daulatpur) and heavy fighting was going on when last reports came in. Replying to questions the Army spokesman said the Pakistanis appeared to be making "a last ditch stand" in the Khulna area before they surrendered. Since both
