As Bangladesh comes to terms with the bloody mutiny by its border guards, leading authors from the country on Saturday said they do not have any doubt about involvement of anti-India forces and elements opposed to the liberation movement in the mayhem.
Renowned authors, attending the SAARC festival of literature in Agra, were also unanimous in pointing finger at "a country opposed to Bangladesh's liberation in fanning violence" as part of a "big conspiracy" to destabilise the Sheikh Hasina-led government.
"I think elements opposed to India and opposed to creation of Bangladesh were behind the conspiracy," Khondakar Ashraf Hossain, a popular literary figure in Bangladesh, said without naming Pakistan.
Known as one of the finest voices on the literary horizon of the country, Ashraf alleged that "Pakistani ISI is working in Bangladesh" and there were reports that "crores of rupees have been given to common jawans to rise in rebellion."
"The big plan was to plunge the country into total chaos," he further alleged.
Asked about the Bangla author's view, Pakistani writer Zahid Nawaz said the allegations were not acceptable. "We do not accept what has been said. We should live in peace and work for a peaceful environment around us," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Asked about the Bangla author's view, Pakistani writer Zahid Nawaz said the allegations were not acceptable. "We do not accept what has been said. We should live in peace and work for a peaceful environment around us," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Over 70 army officers were killed in the revolt at the headquarters of the Bangladesh Rifles last month.