628 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড of the conflict. The third is the loss of vessels and vehicles to the economy, which occurred in a number of ways. The fourth is the general atmosphere of fear and uncertainty which persists as peace has not yet returned to the Province. 2. Most cities and major towns have sizable pockets of destruction where market places, small shops and workers' housing once stood, and, in some, the damage has been severe; unauthorized homes and shops along roads and railway rights-of-way have been obliterated both within towns and along major arteries between towns; and numerous villages have suffered heavy destruction, particularly to market places and bazars. The extent of damage and destruction varies greatly both between and within districts; however, few areas have escaped altogether. In all cities visited there are areas that have been razed; and in all districts visited there are villages which have simply ceased to exist. 3. Damage to the transport and communications network was Widespread and severe. Ten major road and thirteen major railway bridges were blown up with varying, but generally considerable, degrees of success; scores of smaller bridges and culverts were also destroyed or damaged; and rails, ties and footplates have disappeared all over the province. In addition, during the fighting, some damage occurred to locomotives and railway rolling stock, ferries and vessels; the telecommunications system was severely disrupted and railway telecommunications were put out of commission entirely. 4. The loss to the economy of vessels and vehicles occurred in a number of ways. Substantial numbers were damaged or destroyed. Others were taken across the borders by the insurgents. Some were abandoned by owners who have fled, gone underground, or are simply too frightened to venture out. Probably the largest number, particularly of trucks and land-rovers, was commandeered by the Military. This holds true particularly of the districts North and West of Dacca, where the combination of heavy fighting and disruption of transport preventing the shipment of military vehicles up from Chittagong prompted the Army to seize virtually all vehicles. "Requisitioning" occurred, also, however, in areas such as Chittagong. There, contractors' new vehicles were taken from the port and, as elsewhere in the province. Jeeps and LCTs intended for relief work in the cyclone-affected areas were also commandeered. At present, in Chittagong, while scores of Army jeeps and trucks wait for the road and railway links to be opened so they can be sent North, requisitioned vehicles have still not been returned to their owners. 5. Perhaps most important of all, people fear to venture forth and, as a result, commerce has virtually ceased and economic activity generally is at a very low ebb. Clearly, despite improvements in some areas and taking the Province as a whole, widespread fear among the population has persisted beyond the initial phase of heavy fighting. It appears that this is not just a concomitant of the Army extending its control into the countryside and the villages off the main highways, although at this stage the mere appearance of military units often suffices to engender fear. However, there is also no question that punitive measures by the Military are continuing: even if directed at particular elements (such as known or suspected Awami Leguers, students or Hindus), these have the effect of fostering fear among the population at large. At the same time, insurgent activity is continuing. This is not only disruptive in itself, but also often leads to
