What is the cost of denial and non-closure in the face of an ongoing genocide?

The plight of the fourth- and fifth-generation descendants of nearly 300,000 patriots — still confined to 6x6 cages in Bangladesh - is systematically pushed aside by more media-savvy and politically-palatable priorities. With each passing day, the likelihood of historical inclusion for Pakistanis caught in the conflict of 1971 — widely viewed by influential voices in activism, advocacy, academia and authority as those who 'stood on the wrong side of history' — continues to wither.

And yet, I find myself still owning a cause that even many within this community (arguably the most doomed among those who have themselves endured genocide and ethnic cleansing) have chosen to ignore, as an act of pragmatism, if not quiet apathy. Various telling examples of this eradication persist in academic literature that "convincingly" confirms not only the genocide of Bengalis but, in many cases, may aggrandise it.

Recently, I came across mentions of a forthcoming book, Citizens to Traitors by Dr Ilyas Chattha, with endorsements from eminent historians like Ayesha Jalal and Bina D'Costa. The book studies the 'internment of Bengalis in Pakistan between 1971 and 1974', following the 'liberation of Bangladesh'. Although I have not had access to the full text, the existing previews moved me to respond. (This reference was not part of my original op-ed.).

I congratulate him for addressing this heartbreaking chapter. While respecting the academic intent, the claim........

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