TIME IS RUNNING OUT
THE PAKISTAN OBSERVER, March 14, 1971
We the daily newspapers of Dacca firmly believe that this is the time for decision and it is our bounded duty to speak with a common voice at this hour.
We are in the midst of the greatest crisis in our twenty-three years history. And this after the first over general elections in which the whole country participated in expectation of the fulfillment of its desire and demand for mitigation of a democratic system. The people are sovereign and their representatives have the system of government. One must recognize, if one is a believer in democracy, this right of the peoples representatives to make the laws and govern the country. This is a fundamental political question. The situation has become abnormal owing to the failure on the part of those in power and those who have access to the ears of power.
The armed forces are for defending the borders of the country against external aggressing. It is not their function to interfere in political controversy or take sides. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his party are pledged to see that the peoples struggle remain on the non violent plane and their hands have to be strengthened.
It is for the people and their representatives to decide what will be the future relationship between the two wings of the country.
We believe the time has come for President Yahya Khan lift Martial Law and reach a settlement immediately with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the leader of the majority party, so that power is transferred to the representatives of the people.
