1971-04-16
By James P. Sterba
Page: 1
New Delhi Says They Fired Across the Border
NEW DELHI, April 15—The Indian Government charging that Pakistani troops had fired machine guns into Indian territory, warned Pakistan today to stop such actions or face “any consequences that may ensue.”
India, in a letter of protest to the Pakistani High Commission —equivalent to an embassy—in New Delhi, reported two shooting incidents, which she termed “threatening” and charged that several Indian civilians had been injured.
[The Pakistani radio in Karachi reported that Pakistani troops had prevented “Indian infiltrators and anti state elements” from dynamiting the strategic Bhairab railroad bridge in East Pakistan. Officials in Washington said that the United States had not delivered arms or ammunition to Pakistan since. the present fighting erupted there.]
Pakistan's armed forces have been attempting shier March 2 to quell an autonomy movement in East Pakistan and have accused India of assisting the movement.
“The Pakistan Army located in the Dinajpur area of East Bengal has been firing rounds of light and medium machine ‘guns into Indian territory, MI particular the Village of Samjia,” the Indian protest letter said. It added:
“Moreover, since April 7, Pakistan armed forces have been concentrating opposite Tripura, in Bibi Bazaar of Comilla district and resorting) to unprovoked and heavy firing, and adopting threatening postures along our borders.”
Terming these actions aggressive, the Government demanded that Pakistani officials issue immediate instructions to their troops to stop, adding:
“If Pakistan armed forces continue in this manner, the Government of India would hold the Government of Pakistan solely responsible for any consequences that may. ensue.” today that Pakistani planes on strafing missions near the border had fired into Indian territory.
Meanwhile, the High Commission of Pakistan rejected an Indian demand that three border‐security soldiers be returned. Pakistan said they were captured inside Pakistani territory on April 9, while India contends, that they were kidnapped while on a routine patrol on the Indian side of the border by Pakistani troops who had crossed over.
Scattered fighting was reported today throughout East Pakistan with Pakistani Air Force planes bombarding resistance forces in at least seven cities — Chittagong, Comilla, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Dinajpur, Rajshai and Kushita.