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UNCLASSIFIED
RNAS- 3
Department
of State
RESEARCH STUDY
Seal
BUREAU OF
INTELLIGENCE AND RESEARCH
United
State of America
February 2, 1972
The attached chronology of key events in the development of the Indo-Pakistani crisis from December 1970 to December 1971 was prepared by RNA at the request of NEA. It is drawn entirely from unclassified sources. Items selected for inclusion as key events were regarded as those significant for reference use in tracing the development of the crisis culminating in the Indo-Pakistani hostilities in late 1971; the list is not an exhaustive historical summary of events.
INR/Near East and South Asia
Director : Curtis F.Jones
Analyst : Peter S. Maher
Ext. : 21382
Released by :
UNCLASSIFIED (SEAL)
This report was produced by the Bureau of Intelligence and Research.
Aside from normal substantive exchange with other agencies at the
working level, it has not been coordinated elsewhere.
INDO-PAKISTANI
CRISIS – CHRONOLOGY OF KEY EVENTS
1970
December 7 General Election in Pakistan. Awami League wins 151 seats in
National
Assembly; when all elections complete, Awami league has 167 of 300
seats. A.Z. bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) wins 83 of West Pakistan’s 143 seats.
December
17
Elections held for Provincal Assemliies in Pakistan. In the East, Awami wins 268 of 279 seats
declared.
December
19 Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman declares there can be no new Constitution except on basis of Awami League’s Six
–Point Program.
1971
January
3
At a public rally, Sheikh Mujib reiterates view that
Constitution must be based on Awami League’s Six-Point Program.
January
14
President Yahya Khan , in talk to newsmen in Dacca, refers to Sheikh Mujib as “the future Prime
Minister of Pakistan”.
January
29
Rahman-Bhutto talks on Six-Point Awami League Program and convening of National Assembly end in
deadlock.
January
30
Indian Airlines aircraft hijacked to Pakistan, and destroyed by bomb on February 2.
February
2
India bans military overflights of India by Pakistan.
February
4
India imposes ban on both civil and military overflights of India by Pakistan; charges official
Pakistani “ instigation , abetment, and encouragement” of hijackers.
February 13 President Yahya Khan calls Pakistani National Assembly meeting
in Dacca for March 3, establishing June 30 as deadline for framing
of new Constitution (i.e., within 120 days of first meeting of
National Assembly).
February 15 Bhutto threatens to boycott National Assembly meeting on March
3 unless Sheikh Mujib gives up demand for full provincial
autonomy. Repeats threat on February 19.
February 27 Bhutto requests postponement of National Assembly meeting,
promises PPP will attend at later date if 120-day limit for drafting
new Constitution if lifted.
March 1 President Yahya Khan announces removal of Vice Admiral S.M.
Ahsan as Governor of East Pakistan. Yahya Khan announces
idefinite postponement of National Assembly session.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman calls for hartal (general strike) in Dacca
On March 2, and country-wide general strike on March 3. Rahman
says Awami League would launch non-violent, non-cooperation
movement.
March 2 Demonstration in Dacca leads to imposition of 11-hour curfew.
Radio Pakistan reports demonstrators seen carrying placards
proclaiming an “Independent Bengal.” Clashes with Pakistani
Army troops reported.
Pakistani Army troops observed flying into Dacca on Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) unscheduled flights.
Martial Law Administration imposes press censorship in East
Pakistan.
March 3 At mass meeting in Dacca, Sheikh Mujib turns down Yahya
Khan’s invitation to a conference of political leaders in Dacca on
March 10 to resolve deadlock in Constitution-making. Rahman
calls for civil disobedience movement until the administration
turned over to “people’s representatives.” Says hartal against
postponement on National Assembly will continue for four days.
Sheikh Mujib tells press Pakistani Army is “behaving like an
Occupation Force,” machine-gunning unarmed people.
Sheikh Mujib AP correspondent in Dacca he is willing to share
power with Bhutto, each to serve as Prime Minister in his region,
to keep Pakistan together.
March 4 Sheikh Mujib Rahman warns that Awami League volunteers will resists
Pakistani Army troops if they are not returned to barracks. Hartal
Continues. Curfew lifted in Dacca, remains in effect in other East Pakistan
towns.
March 5 Radio Pakistan announces troops will return to barracks March 6,
following an “improvement in the situation as a sequel to Sheikh Mujib’s
appeal to people to remain in peaceful.”
March 6 President Yahya Khan announces March 25 meeting of National
Assembly, does not specify venue. Attacks East Pakistani leaders for
sponsoring disorders following earlier postponement of session.
Bhutto says PPP attend March 25 session.
March 7 At rally in Dacca, Rahman calls for East Pakistan Government officials to obey him. He states Awami League will not attend national Assembly session unless: )1 martial law lifted; 2) troops returned to barracks; 3) an inquiry ordered into killings in East Pakistan by Army in previous week of demonstrations; and 4) power transferred to people. Declares no-tax campaign starting March 8. Stops short of call for independence .
March 8 Non-violent civil disobedience movement formally begins in East Pakistan.
March 9 Lt. Gen. Tikka Khan appointed Governor and Martial Law Administrator of East Pakistan; East Pakistani judges refuse to swear him in.
March 13 Central Government orders striking civilian defense workers in East Pakistan to return to work under threat of martial law penalties.
March 14 Sheikh Mujib characterizes return-to-work order as provocation, asks East Pakistanis to defy order.
Bhutto, in West Pakistan, calls for installation of Awami League Government in East Pakistan and one or more PPP Governments in provinces of West Pakistan, with military government left in control of central Government.
March
15
Rahman issues series of 35 directives effectively taking over civil administration of East
Pakistan by Awami League. Refers to East Pakistan as
Bangladesh.
March
16
Yahya Khan-Rahman talks begin.
March
17
Martial Law Administrator for East Pakistan lt. Gen. Tikka Khan appoints Inquiry commission to
investigate Awami League charges on Army activities March 2-9.
Sheikh
Mujib rejects proposed inquiry as “devices to hoodwink people of Bangladesh,” appoints his own
three-member Committee of inquiry.
March
21
Press reports reveal continuing PIA flights carrying Pakistani Army reinforcements to Dacca.
Bhutto arrives in Dacca.
March
22
Yahya Khan postpones March 25 session of National Assembly indefinitely.
March
23
Pakistan Day celebrated in East Pakistan as “Resistance Day”; Bangladesh flag flown widely in
Dacca and East Pakistan.
March
25
Yahya Khan-Rahman talks continue during morning.
Radio
Dacca reports Yahya Khan had agreed “in principle” to hand over power to elected representatives in
East Pakistan; and had conceded Awami League’s three other demands.
Press
reports claim six shiploads of Pakistani troops (an estimated 10,000 men) landed at Chittagong and
Khulna, adding to total of 60,000 troops in East Pakistan.
Afternoon
meeting between Yahya and Mujib cancelled. Yahya leaves
Dacca. Pakistani Army troops launch widespread attacks in
Dacca focused on university. Hindu areas, East Pakistani
police, east Pakistan Rifles barracks, and Awami League offices.
Mujib
arrested 11:15 p.m. Foreign correspondents detained at
Intercontinental Hotel.
March
26
Widespread fighting between West Pakistani troops and Bengalis; rumors spread that Sheikh Mujib
had gone underground with Awami League leaders.
In a broadcast to the nation, from Karachi, Yahya Khan charges Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with treason, bans Awami League, and orders Army to restore authority of central government in East Pakistan.
“Voice
of Independent Bangladesh” radio station broadcasts unilateral declaration of independence, saying
Sheikh Mujib has declared sovereign independent Bangladesh.
Bhutto departs Dacca for West Wing.
March
27
Radio Pakistan announces arrest of Sheikh Mufib.
35
foreign correspondents ordered expelled from East Pakistan by Martial Law Administration.
Bhutto
tells news conference in Karachi he supports Yahya Khan’s order to crush independence movement in East
Pakistan.
March
28
“Free Bangla Radio” announces formation of Provisional Government of Bangladesh headed by a
Major Zia Khan.
March
29
India requests UN Secretary General take initiative and advise or suggest restraint to Government
to Pakistan and try to prevent “mass slaughter” in East Pakistan.
March 31 Indian Parliament resolution expresses sympathy and solidarity with people of East Bengal, pledges sympathy and support of Indian people.
United States announces Dacca “thin-out”
April
1
Pakistani Foreign Office alleges Indian infiltrations into East Pakistan.
April
3
Soviet President Podgorny sends letter to Yahya Khan appealing for political settlement of East
Pakistan problem.
April
6
Yahya Khan Replies to Podgorny letter, stating that support for interference in internal affairs
of another country is a negation of UN Charter and asking that USSR use its influence with India to
prevent India from “meddling in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
Pakistani Note to India of interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
China
accuses India of interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs in Note about New Delhi demonstration
against PRC embassy.
April
12
Six-member Cabinet of Provisional Government of Bangladesh formed, with Rahman listed as
President, Syed Nazrul Islam as Vice President, and Tajuddin Ahmed as Prime Minister.
April
17
At Mujibnagar Provisional Government formally proclaims Democratic Republic of Bangladesh.
Proclamation dated April 10, 1971.
April
18
Pakistani Deputy High Commissioner in Calcutta and 70 Bengali staff members switch allegiance to
Bangladesh.
April 24 Pakistanis request closure Indian Deputy High Commission at Dacca, close Pakistani mission in Calcutta.
May
6
India announces 1.48 million refugees from East Pakistan now in India, appeals to FAO for direct
aid to refugees.
May
18
Mrs. Gandhi warns Pakistan that “if a situation is forced on us, we are fully prepared to
fight. Challenges Government of Pakistan claims that all is
normal in East Pakistan, saying that if that so GOP should call back refugees fleeing to India.
May
19
U Thant appeals to all nations for contributions to help meet needs of refugees in India.
May 21 Yahya Khan announces that bona-fide Pakistani citizens who had fled were welcome to return home to East Pakistan.
June
5
Indian External Affairs Minister Swaran Singh departs New Delhi on visit to USSR, West Germany,
France, Canada and United States to discuss refugee problem and Bangladesh.
Returns to India June 22.
June 6 Syed Nazrul Islam, acting President of Bangladesh Provisional Government, spells out in radio broadcast four preconditions for political settlement of Bangladesh.
1) release Rahman
2) withdraw Pakistani Army
3) recognize Republic of Bangladesh
4)
compensation for losses due to Pakistani Army “atrocities”
June
28
Yahya Khan announces he will have a Constitution prepared by a group of experts.
He bans secessionist Awami League from participation in program to transfer power to civilians
“in four months or so.”
July
8
Indians estimate number of Bengali refugees in India at 6,733,019.
July
15
Tajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister of Provisional Government of Bangladesh, declares ‘military
victory is only solution in Bangladesh.
July
19
Yahya Khan, in press interview, says he would declare war on India, “If India made any attempt
to seize any part of East Pakistan.” He warns that
Pakistan “would not be alone,” and alleges that Indians were shelling many areas of East Pakistan.
July
20
Indian Minister for External Affairs, Swaran Singh, cautions Yahya Khan against using freedom
struggle in Bangladesh as a pretext for launching an attack on India, says “we will defend
ourselves.”
July
23
India accuses Pakistanis of two violations on July 20 and 21 of Indian
airspace by
Pakistanis Air Force over Srinagar, issues orders to shoot down
future intruders.
July
24
Pakistan denies violation of Indian airspace.
August
5
Yahya Khan released July 30 TV interview, in which he stated situation in
subcontinent was “very volatile, explosive and dangerous,” repeats
warning Pakistanis would fight id any attempt made to detach part of East
Pakistanis.
August
7
Government of Pakistan deprives 79 Awami League members of their
National Assembly seats, orders 59 to appear for trial.
August
9
Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko’s visit to New Delhi results in signing
of 20-year Treaty of Peace, Friendship and
Co-operation between USSR
and
India.
August
11
Press reports Sheikh Mujibur Rahman goes on trial on charge of waging
war on Pakistan.
August
17
Pakistan proposes “Good Offices Committee” of UN Security Council to
“defuse” situation along Indo-Pakistan border.
August
18
India rejects Pakistani proposal as another attempt to turn East Pakistan
situation into an Indo-Pakistan issue. Asserts India
not involved in conflict.
August
21
Government of Pakistan announces lawyer A.K. Brohi had agreed to
defend Mujib at trial.
August
31
Yahya Khan appoints Dr. Abdul Motaleb Malik as civilian Governor
of East Pakistan; replaces Lt. Gen. Tikka Khan as Martial Law
Administrator with Lt. Gen. A. A. K Niazi, effective September 3.
September
2
Bhutto describes appointment of civilian government in East Bengal
as “half-measure” and calls for immediate parliamentary rule.
September
4
Yahya Khan announces general amnesty for all those who committed
offenses in East Pakistan after March 1.
September
9 Five
main East Bengal political parties in Calcutta form 8-member Consultative
Committee to advise Bangladesh Government and to provide
closer ties to the Mukti Bahini.
September
11 In Karachi,
Bhutto says March events in East Pakistan could also
occur in
West Pakinstan if power not restored to people’s repre- sentatives.
September
15 Indians claim
total of refugees is 8,542,000.
September
19 Pakinstan
Election Commission announce by-election to fill 78 National Assembly
seats vacated by “disqualification” of Awami Leaque
members will be held between November 25 and December 9.
September
25 Pakinstan
complains to UN Secretary General against “India’s
open interference in Pakistan’s internal
affairs” in letter from
Pakistani Foreign Secretary to U Thant.
September
27 Mrs. Gandhi
arrives in Moscow for 3-day visit to USSR.
September
28 Yahya Khan’s
office confirms that Mujib’s trial started on August 11,
then recessed, and was
resumed September 7.
October
5
Pakistan Army ordered on 12-hour alert, Indian sources allege.
October 12 In broadcast ti tge batuib, Yahya Khan announces plan to promulgate new Constitution by December 20 and call recon-stituted National Assembly on December 27.
October 14-16 President Yahya Khan in Persepolis for Iranian 25th Centenary, holds discussions with Soviet President Podgorny, Shan of Iran, and others.
October 14 Indian press says Indian Army reinforces western borders positions.
October 17 Indian Defense Minister Jagjivan Ram warns in public speech that any war with Pakistan would be fought on Pakistani soil and India would not vacate territories occupied during conflict.
October
19 Mrs. Gandhi,
at news conference in New Delhi, declines to enter into
talks with Pakistan to
negotiate pulling back of troops saying that crux of problem was
Pakistani military regime’s
problems with Bengalis, which should be resolved directly
between Yahya Khan and Bangladesh.
In Le Monde interview published in Paris, Yahya Khan
suggests that a “Dialogue” between India
and Pakistan should deal with whole of India- Pakistan dispute,
not just “secondary questions.”
October 20 Official Indian spokesman says India would not entertain proposals for pullback of troops from border until Pakistan indicated willingness to reach political settlement with Bangladesh and facilitate return of refugees.
In letter to Yahya Khan and Mrs.
Gandhi, UN Secretary General
U Thant offers his good offices
to relieve tension on Indo-Pakistani border.
October
21 In
letter to U Thant, Yahya Khan suggests U Thant visit India and
Pakistan to pursue his offer
of reducing tensions in the subcontinent.
October
22 Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister
Firyubrin arrives in New Delhi for
consultations under Article IX
of Indo-Soviet Treaty.
October
24 Mrs. Gandhi goes on
six-nation trip, spending November 3-7
in United States.
October
27 Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister
Firyubrin concludes visit to New Delhi after talks
with
Mrs. Gandhi, External Affairs Ministers
Swaran Singh.
October
28 In
Vienna, Mrs. Gandhi tells press U Thant visit to India would
not be sensible, but said she
would not object if UThant accepted Yahya Khan’s invitation to visit Pakistan,
since the key to a solution was there, not in India.
Indian
External Affairs Minister Swaran Singh tells Parliamentary
Committee that India could count on USSR for total support
in event of conflict with Pakistan. Refers tot
tense situation on border, but asserts India would never start a
conflict.
October 29 Indians claim refugees now total 9,587,000.
October 29-31 Series of artillery exchanges in East Pakistan reported, with Indians claiming Pakistan firing across Indian border and admitting return fire. Most incidents reported in Tripura, but one shelling incident and minor incursion by Pakistan troops reported at Uri in Kashmir.
November 1 Press reports Mujib found guilty and death penalty
recommended to
Yahya Khan by military tribunal.
Radio Pakistan quotes President Yahya Khan as having
said to CBS interviewer that China would intervene in
the event of an Indian attack on Pakistan.
However, in exclusive Newsweek interview quoted by Karachi domestic radio service on same date, Yahya Khan
is reported to have said that China would not tolerate an attack on Pakistan, and that the Pakistanis would “get all the weapons and ammunition we need from China short of physical intervention.
November 3 Indian spokesman claims four Pakistan Air Force F-86’s
Intrude into Indian airspace in Punjab.
November 7 Bhutto in Peking as leader of “politico-military delegation”
to China.
November 9 Indian Air Force reports two Pakistan Air Force planes
intrude into Indian-controlled airspace in Uri sector of
Kashmir
November 13 Mrs. Gandhi returns to New Delhi from overseas trip.
November 22 Indians report three Pakistan Air Force F-86’s shot down
near eastern border by Indian Air Force Gnats.
Pakistan charges Indians mounting all-out attack on East
Pakistan, with Indian Army units moving on Jessore,
Sylhet, and in Chittagong Hill tracts.
November 23 Yahya Khan declares State of Emergency in Pakistan in
view of “threat of foreign aggression.”
November 24 Mrs. Gandhi reveals in Parliament that Indian military
commanders took action on November 21 to repulse a
Pakistani offensive against the Mukti Bahini around Boyra
some five miles from the Indian border when the Pakistani
advance threatened Indian defensive positions on the border;
13 Pakistani M-24 tanks are reported destroyed. She states
it was not India’s intention to escalate the situation or start
a conflict. She said Indian commanders had been ordered
not to cross the border except in self-defense.
November 25 President Yahya Khan reportedly hints at possibility of
war “within ten days” in impromptu remarks at Rawalpindi
banquet honoring visiting Chinese minister.
November 26 Indian troops again cross East Pakistani border, destroy one
Pakistani tank in Hilli area, according to Indian sources.
November 28 Indians report three more Pakistani tanks destroyed in Hilli
area.
December 3 At 1050 GMT Mrs. Gandhi was in Calcutta, where she told
a rally that Pakistani troops must be withdrawn from
Bangladesh.
At 1245 GMT, Radio Pakistan interrupts regular service to
report Indian ground attacks all along West Pakistan border.
At 1330 GMT, Delhi radio quotes an Indian official spokes-
man as stating Indian airfields at Amritsar, Srinagar, and
pathankot were under air attack between 1210 GMT and
1230 GMT.
At 1409 GMT, Karachi reports that Pakistani Air Force
aircraft returned safely from attacking four forward
Indian air bases at Amritsar, Pathankot, Avantipur, and
Srinagar “ this afternoon.”
At 1600 GMT Karachi radio accuses Indian Air Force of
Having attacked 30 to 40 miles deep into West Pakistan
“for past few days,” and reports that Indian ground troops
