1971-04-12
By Reuters
Background: The Chief Minister of West Bengal Mr Ajoy Kumar Mukerji on Sunday led a street collection in calcutta for the victims of the civil disturbances in East Pakistan, and in support of the rebel 'Bangla Desh' republic Leaders of most political parties took part in the money-raising. There has been a good response throughout India to appeals of this kind, and particularly from West Bengal.
Verbal support for the rebels in their struggle with the Pakistan Government has come steadily from the Indian Government since the emergency began, although there has been no threat of physical involvement. India today denied a Pakistan claim to have wiped out two companies of Indian border guards inside East Pakistan, although the Indians did say two of their men had been kidnapped by the Pakistan army.
The People's Republic of China today warned India against launching any aggression against Pakistan, and came out strongly in support of President Yahya Khan's effort to preserve the unity of Pakistan. This was the first time China had taken sides in the crisis, and the announcement from Prime Minister Chou En Lai came soon after reports that Pakistani and Indian troops on the West Bengal-East Pakistan border were within striking distance of each other.
The Soviet Union has so far been critical of the action of the Pakistan Government in East pakistan, calling for an end to bloodshed and 'repressions against the population' in East Pakistan.