Firstly, Armchair hunting is of no use. We can argue to all length whether an additional pak. enclave in the east could have been more dangerous than an independent country only sympathizing with Pak. (or should I say intimidated by India's growing strength in the region). All in all, illegal migration (ref. chakma refugee) was the biggest concern why India had not other option but to help Liberate East Pakistan. Remember, leaders then did not have the hindsight advantage of 35 Years that we do today. I think under the circumstances they did the right thing. Why Kashmir settlement was not negotiated, is beyond me of course, but that is another discussion altogether.
