Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Indian Army's Chief of staff, General Sam Maneckshaw flew into the capital of East Pakistan Dacca on Sunday (26 December) on his first visit following the Indian conquest of the city. He was to discuss security with Bangladesh leaders and to arrange the withdrawal of Indian troops, Indian officials said.

999999,SYNOPSIS: The Indian Army's Chief of Staff, General Sam Maneckshaw,flew into the East Pakistan capital Dacca on Sunday (September 26)on his first visit following the Indian conquest of the city. He was to discuss security with Bangladesh leaders and to arrange the withdrawal of Indian troops, Indian officials said. The 57 year-old General, first Indian-commissioned officer to become Chief of the Indian Army Staff, took the salute at a formal military welcome mounted by India's occupying force in Dacca. General Maneckshaw, who trained at the Indian Military Academy, Dehra Dun,took over as Chief of the Indian Staff in June 1969. He served in Burma during the Second World War, and was awarded the Military Cross.

He was warmly greeted by representatives of the Bangladesh Government, which the indians say will take over control in East Pakistan when Indian troops withdraw. The Bangladesh Government has announced it will immediately set a National Militia, with its leaders drawn from the Mukti Bahini guerrillas who helped win the war in East Pakistan.