LONDON: The rejection by India of United Nat­ions Secretary-General U Thant’s plan to post neu­tral observers on both sides of East Pakistan borders, which was publicly reiterated by Indian Ambassador Sen in New York yesterday [July 26], is ... impeding efforts by the world organisation and friendly Governments to promote peace in the subcontinent and early return of refugees.

Soon after U Thant saw Mr Agha Shahi, Pakistan’s Ambassador and Ambassador Sen; the Indian envoy told newsmen in New York that India was opposed to posting of UN observers in refugee camps in Assam, Tripura and West Bengal. Ambassador Sen insisted that UN obser­vers should be posted only in East Pakistan. … UN Secretary General had separate meetings with the Indian and Pakistani Ambassadors … to discuss the continuing tension along the border. — Newspaper’s overseas correspondent

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies in Dacca,] Mr Zahiruddin, MNA-elect … contradicted the Press report that 170 MNAs and MPAs-elect of the defunct Awami League were either going to form a new political party or to join the Pakistan People’s Party under his leadership.

…Mr Zahiruddin said: “… I want to make it clear that I have never initiated any move of this nature nor have we taken any decision to form a new political party or to join any other political party. …”

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2021