1971-05-25
By Denzil Peiris
Page: 0
NEW DELHI.-Pakistan s President Yahya Khan is expected to announce a transfer of power to politicians in the rebellious east wing of his country when he visits Dacca, its capital, early next month.
He is evolving a working arrangement with a group that includes compliant second-rung politicians from the Awami League.
These men did not join the breakaway Bangla Desh government announced by the resistance movement last month.
They surrendered to the Army after military action began following the breakdown of talks between President Yahya and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Awami League leader Since then East Pakistan has been under a military governor, Gen. Tikka Khan.
When asked a few days ago by reporters whether there would be a transfer of power the Pakistani President replied: "Who is there to receive it?"
A modified form of autonomy for the east wing now will probably be handed over to the "reasonable men" he had hoped to discover at the time he started military action.
Greater Job opportunities will be given to East Bengalis, especially in the upper strata of administration, thus reducing their list of grievances.
The Pakistani President also hopes that the new move will appease the United States, which has been pressing him for some political accommodation to help it continue with its aid program.