New Delhi. The Indian Government yesterday granted its front line commanders on the borders of Pakistan and East Bengal wide discretionary powers to deploy troops or cross the borders in the event of a crisis. Technically, the powers granted by the Government bind the commanders to crossing the borders only “in self defence” or in the event of their positions being threatened. But, in real terms, the extension of discretionary powers leaves enough scope for commanders to take decisions on the spot.

These powers are conferred on commanders only when a major attack is expected and in India they have rarely been given without the possibility of troops being involved in major military actions. The orders have evidently been issued to forestall a surprise or pre-emptive strike by Pakistan, particularly on the Western side of the Indian frontier where Gen. Yahya Khan has concentrated three army corps backed by two divisions of armour.

Although the exact locations of these forces are not known, it is clear that the vulnerable area lies between Amritsar, holy city of the Sikhs, and a small desert town, Anugarh in Rajasthan. By pre-emptive armoured thrust between these two towns, 100 miles apart, the Pakistanis could hope to outflank the Indian troops threatening the Lahore and northwards Sialkot.