Delhi, June 20

As tension between India and Pakistan continued to build up Mr Jagjivan Ram, the Indian Minister for Defence, visited Army units in Punjab today and told them to be “prepared to meet any eventuality " because of the “desperate acts" of Pakistan's military rulers.

Mr Ram went on to claim that Pakistani troops were violating India’s border. “We are a peace loving country and we want to avoid war, but Pakistan is creating a situation when war may be thrust upon us”, he said.

Mr Ram hinted that the huge influx of refugees might also set off a confrontation. He described West Pakistani actions as “mischievous aggression” because the large influx of refugees into West Bengal would have a disastrous effect on India’s socioeconomic system.

But though the situation is dangerous, the observers believe that Mr Ram's declaration today should only be taken as another effort to put pressure on the international community.

It is now doubtful whether India would march into East Pakistan and risk a war.

Delhi, June 20.—Mrs Gandhi, the Indian Prime Minister, returned here today after a two-day visit to Kashmir. She told reporters before leaving Srinagar, the Kashmir capital, that the time had not yet come for India to recognize Bangladesh.

She was speaking as Dr A. R. Mullick, vice-chancellor of Chittagong University, made an appeal here to India and other countries to recognize “the sovereign republic of Bangladesh”, which was declared independent on April 17.—Reuter.