DACOITS GATHER FOR TALKS WITH J. P. AT DAK BUNGALOW

Summary

This 12 April 1972 Times of India report describes preparations at the dak bungalow in Pagra, Madhya Pradesh, for Jayaprakash Narayan’s talks with dacoit leaders about their surrender. The bungalow, formerly used by irrigation officials and later abandoned, has been cleaned and fitted out for the meeting; local residents and officials are expecting a gathering of roughly 20 people in the building and its grounds.

The report says that members of Mohar Singh’s gang, along with other dacoits, are expected to arrive for the ceremony and may surrender voluntarily on Sunday. It also records uncertainty and controversy surrounding the event: Narayan is reported to be urging hardened criminals to adopt an honourable way of life and surrender publicly, while Chief Minister M. P. Singh’s emissary, Mr. Sethi, raises concerns about security, crowd control, and whether the ceremony can proceed without obstruction. The clipping contains no byline and provides no account of the talks beyond these preparations and reported disagreements.

Key points

• The article reports preparations in Pagra for Jayaprakash Narayan’s meeting with dacoit leaders.
• The meeting concerns the possible surrender of several dacoit gangs, including Mohar Singh’s gang.
• The abandoned dak bungalow has been cleaned and arranged to accommodate the participants.
• The report describes an expected voluntary surrender and a public ceremony on Sunday.
• Jayaprakash Narayan is portrayed as encouraging the dacoits to choose an honourable life.
• Officials express concerns about security, the venue, crowd management, and possible obstruction.
• The clipping is a single, unattributed Times of India newspaper report dated 12 April 1972.