Background: In Dacca, where many of the population refer to their country as Bengal State rather than East Pakistan, thousands of demonstrating workers have been demanding official independence. They claim they have already achieved effective independence since Sheiki, Mujib's Awami League Party is virtually running the country, while maintaining a non-cooperation policy with the Central Government of Pakistan. The Awami League's Defence force, which has said it will confront Government troops if necessary, is thought to have been a regular occurrence during the past few weeks, as a partial strike of the country's work force continues, hitting not only East Pakistan's economy but its poverty-stricken millions as well. Meanwhile, President Yahya Khan has met Sheikh Mujib in Dacca yesterday (Tuesday 16th) and today (Wednesday 17th) in urgent talks aimed at solving East Pakistan's political crisis.