disease. He was living almost half starved, and he decided to return home. While he was leaving the camp, his personal assets, which he had carried with him, were snatched away by one of the volunteers and a dirty dhuti which he was wearing was all that he could carry back with him.
Meanwhile, foreign press correspondents quoting Indian sources, reported that the exodus of refugees from East Pakistan had stopped. On 14 June 1971, the correspondent of the London Times said: “A senior (Indian)' officer, who extensively toured areas of the southern regions of West Bengal, told me today (13 June 1971) that the exodus had ended in this section almost as suddenly as it had begun." He added: “Officials from border towns to the north also claim that the exodus has decreased dramatically".
As the inflow of Pakistani citizens from across the border increased in response to general amnesty and the return-home call by Pakistan, the Government of Pakistan initially sanctioned a cash grant of Rs. 3.9 million as gratuitous relief, and Rs. 1.1 million as house-building grant to the persons affected by the disturbances in East Pakistan. Besides. 80.000 mounds of wheat were distributed free among these people. More substantial grants have since been made as the tempo the movement back home has picked up.
President Reassures All, In Particular Minorities
On 18 June 1971, the President of Pakistan, in a statement released in Rawalpindi, referred to the fact that on 21 May, 1971, he had issued a personal message to all Pakistani nationals who had, due to various reasons gone to India, to return to their homes in East Pakistan and resume their normal activities. “It is gratifying to note" he said, “that despite hindrances put by the interested parties, many Pakistanis have returned and arc now on the way to their respective homes. I am certain that many more will follow them. As I said before, there is no question of with holding permission to the return of our own citizens. In fact, East Pakistan Government had made adequate arrangements to receive them and to extend full assistance in their rehabilitation".
The President specially mentioned the minority community and said: “My appeal was addressed to all Pakistan nationals irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. Members of minority community should have no hesitation in returning to their homes in East Pakistan. They are equal citizens of Pakistan and there is no question of any discriminatory treatment. I urge them not to be misled by mischievous propaganda being conducted outside Pakistan".
Apart from cooperating fully with the United Nations, the Government of Pakistan took additional steps to demonstrate the importance attached by them to this problem.
On 14 July, 1971, the President of Pakistan appointed a distinguished East Pakistani, Dr. A.M.Malik, as his Special Assistant for displaced persons and relief and rehabilitation operations in East Pakistan. In his capacity as Special Assistant. Dr. Malik has the status of a Cabinet Minister, and would report directly to the President on the progress and implementation of relief operations.
