The Hindu : Rights groups apologise for 1971 excesses

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Aug 04, 2002

International

International

Rights groups apologise for 1971 excesses

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA Aug. 3. Civil society leaders and human rights activists in Pakistan have made a public apology to the people of Bangladesh for the "excesses and atrocities" committed by the Pakistani forces during that country's War of Liberation in 1971.

The public apology comes within days after the Pakistani President, Parvez Musharraf, who was on a visit here earlier this week, expressed "regret" over the "excesses committed during that unfortunate period" 32 years ago. While Mr. Musharraf's statement was understandably diplomatic, in that he did not blame his country's armed forces for committing crimes against humanity, the joint statement issued on behalf of 51 civil society organisations was more categorical. "We feel sad and burdened by what we know was a violation of the people's human rights," said the statement faxed from Pakistan.

"We deeply feel that a message from us is necessary to acknowledge the historic wrongs, to express sincere apology and to build a bond based on honest sentiments".

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

Stories in this Section

U.S. dismisses Baghdad's offer

Release names of detainees, says U.S. judge

Britain on health alert amid fears of epidemic

U.S. offers Manila aid to fight Abu Sayyaf

Demand for Islamic law

India, Pak. must resume talks, says French Minister

Indian bid along LoC foiled: Pak.

The 'Indian hot list' in Britain

Chen calls for referendum

Rights groups apologise for 1971 excesses

Bush to meet Jiang

Nawaz Sharif's brother elected party chief