While the Pakistani military and their local collaborators were slaughtering the Bengalis in the East on this day in 1971, Martial Law Administrator Lieutenant General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi was working on a cease-fire proposal with the US officials to be sent to the Indian counterpart.
Gen Niazi, also the commander of the Eastern Command, telephoned the Consulate General in Dhaka in the afternoon for an urgent discussion. He appeared at the office in company of Major General Rao Farman Ali.
He said that the bombing of the Dhaka city that afternoon had convinced him that the fighting must be stopped immediately to prevent further bloodshed. He, however, claimed that his troops were still in good positions and were not in danger at the moment, according to a telegram sent to the State Department.
Gen Niazi asked the US official to arrange a discussion on his offer with an Indian counterpart, and he hoped that the Indian commander would do the same immediately, so that negotiations could begin at once.
Gen Niazi and Gen Farman still wished to avoid the use of the word "surrender".
By then, Governor AM Malik left his official residence and placed himself under the protection of the International Red Cross, thus abdicating any governmental function. Gen Farman Ali said that Malik had submitted a letter of resignation.
After some discussion, a letter was prepared, signed by Gen Niazi and his signature attested by Gen Farman Ali. The document sought an immediate cease-fire “in order to save future loss of innocent human lives, which would inevitably result from further hostilities in the major cities like Dacca”.
Gen Niazi gave four conditions: regrouping of Pakistan armed forces in designated areas to be mutually agreed upon between the commanders of the opposing forces; to guarantee the safety of all military and paramilitary forces; safety of all those who had settled in East Pakistan since 1947; and no reprisals against those who helped the administration since March 1971.
In those conditions, the Pakistan armed forces and paramilitary forces would immediately cease all military operations, read the letter.
“I would further abide by any resolutions which the Security Council of the United Nations may pass for the permanent settlement of the present dispute.
“I make this proposal with full authority vested in me by virtue of my position as martial law administrator of Zone B (East Pakistan) and Commander Eastern Command exercising final authority over all Pakistan military and paramilitary forces in this area."
Asked whether any concurrence was required by President Gen Yahya Khan or anyone else in Islamabad, his reply was definitely "No".
“He is very anxious that some progress be made before daylight tomorrow, when he fears a resumption of bombing in Dacca.”
