refugee camps, by putting in there her own unemployed population from West Bengal and other neighboring states. This was confirmed by the London Daily Telegraph correspondent. Peter Gill, who disclosed in dispatch published in the paper on 6 July 1971, that “West Bengal destitute in Calcutta were dumped in these refugee, camps. The correspondent quoted Major S.K. Deba retired Indian army Officer in charge of a group of camps in Salt Lake area of Calcutta's suburbs, as testifying that “penniless Indians, living and sleeping in their thousands on unwholesome streets of Calcutta, are seeking admission to the East Pakistani refugee camps on the outskirts of the city". The correspondent added: “What attracts them to refugee camps is the lure of free food, as each adult refugee is entitled, on production of a slip, to 400 grammes of rice per day as well as 100 grammes of vegetables and 300 grammes of pulses. This represents a diet far more varied and generous than enjoyed by many of Calcutta's inhabitants".
India thus sees both economic and political advantages in keeping the 'refugee' bogey alive and in obstructing and sabotaging Pakistan's persistent efforts to ensure their speedy return to their homes in East Pakistan. The Indian game apparently is not to let the issue be resolved, in order to build more and more pressure on Pakistan. This, in their assessment, will make up for the failure of their earlier efforts to break Pakistan through an India-backed armed rebellion in March-April 1971.
Pakistan's Resolve
While taking all measures necessary to facilitate the return of its citizens, with the full cooperation and participation of the U.N., the Government of Pakistan cannot countenance interference in its internal affairs. It is necessary to appreciate that a humanitarian problem is being used by India to justify political intervention to the point of trying to dictate the future set-up of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan is anxious to see all its citizens back in their homes, and attaches the highest priority to their return and rehabilitation. However, the Government can never permit the problem of displaced persons, which assumed its present proportions due to India's own policies and propaganda, to be turned into an instrument of political blackmail.
Produced by
The Department of Films & Publications
Government of Pakistan
