DACCA: The East Pakistan Government in a Press note … disclosed that a random check by the Pakistan Customs authorities of the quality of jute in transit from Assam to Calcutta has shown that the Indian-bound fibre was in many cases of East Pakistan origin. Besides this, it added, there had been a 400 per cent increase in the quantity of jute which passed through Khulna between September to December 1949 in transit from Assam to Calcutta as compared [to] the same period last year.

The Press note repudiated the “obviously inspired” Indian Press reports regarding the alleged detention in East Pakistan of the Assam jute in transit to Calcutta and blamed the Assam Customs authorities for failing to furnish the requisite customs documents resulting in delays.

The grave suspicions, the Press note stated, as to the bona fides of this transit traffic could have justified a bale to bale check but nevertheless the Pakistan Customs authorities had decided to confine themselves to a rough and ready check of the jute in transit to expeditiously deal with the India-bound cargoes. — News agencies

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2025