that, his aim remain the same, namely, transfer of power to the elected representatives of the people. But replying to the Soviet President he said that the intends to start talks with rational representative elements in East Pakistan” at the earliest opportunity. Does it mark a shift in Government’s policy”? Does it mean that the Government intends quashing the recent general elections and holding fresh ones? Does it not mean that the Government wishes to by pass the elected representatives of the people? Is there any hope that the President’s talks with elements, not enjoying the confidence of the people, will lead to a satisfactory political solution?
Answer: There is not real contradiction in this. The President does intend to transfer power and has already started talks with some important leaders of East Pakistan. There is no intention to bypass the elected representatives except those who have committed criminal acts. There is already a great change in the East Pakistan scene. People were dazed at the Awami League's extremist plan to secede. The President has to keep in touch with all the sensible and patriotic politicians of East Pakistan.
Q. 53: How does one get the accredited representatives of the people in East Pakistan to deal with the Central Government for discussing steps for restoration of the civil Government since practically all elected representative in East Pakistan belong to the outlawed party?
Answer: The process of disillusionment is well under way: a number of MNAs have publicly dissociated themselves from the betrayal of the electorate’s mandate by the hard core Awami League Leadership.
Q.54: Does the Government propose to hold fresh elections for setting up provincial or central governments? If so, when?
Answer: No. There is no point I, or necessity of, holding fresh elections.
Q.55: With the banning of the Awami League, a cacuum has been created in the political life of East Paakistan. How is it proposed to fill up this vacuum? Will a new type of leadership be inspired?
Answer: All vacuums get filled up, so will this. New leadership will emerge automatically. It does not have to be inspired.
Q.56: How does the Government plan to resolve the twin crisis of seeking a political reconciliation between East Pakistan and West Pakistan and averting an economic catastrophe that faces the country today?
Answer: Hope lies in the fact that the treat mass of people in both the Wings are simple, patriotic, God fearing Muslims who came together, in 1947, of their own violation, to form the State of Pakistan and they are united in their determination not to fall under Hindu India domination ever again.
There is a marked similarity in the fundamentals of party platforms in both the Wings-on the unity and integrity of the Sate, on Kashmir and Farakka, on the
