1971-03-15
By Reuters
Transcript Seq. 2: Sheikh: "We don't believe in armed struggle. We have fought and suffered because we followed the constitutional procedure and constitutional convention and we believe in democracy. But the people who are always trying to kill democracy in this country they are more powerful now. And you know history -- uncalled for they have killed thousands of people here in Bengal in Decca, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna. It's uncalled for. This army is for the defence of the country. It is not that they will kill the poor people, the unarmed people of this soil. (Indistinct). There is no co-operation from anybody.
Question: What do you think now is the chance of your getting what you want for your people without further violence here?"
Sheikh: "I want -- you know what I am giving in this respect I am giving four times -- and I stand by that. Let me extend the position and let us continue discussion and finalise it peacefully."
Initials VS/1.46 VS/1.51
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Background: As President Yahya Khan flew to Dacca for talks on the crisis which threatens to divide Pakistan, the East Pakistani leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said in an interview that he believes a negotiated settlement can be reached.
But he told BBC interviewer Michael Clayton that a peaceful solution could only be achieved if there was no further violence from Pakistan's army. Meanwhile, his civil disobedience campaign continues.