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PARTITION OF INDIA %u2013 A Pure Political Game

%u201CA TIME LIKE OUR DEMANDS

STRONG MIND, GREAT HEART, TRUE FAITH AND READY HANDS ;

MEN, WHOM THE LUST OF OFFICE DOES NOT KILL;

MEN , WHOM THE SPOILS OF THE OFFICE CAN NOT BUY;

MEN, WHO POSSESS OPINION AND WILL ;

MEN, WHO HAVE HONOUR ; MEN WHO WILL NOT LIE ;

MEN, WHO CAN STAND? BEFORE THE TEMOGOGUE AND? DEMN HIS

TREACHEROUS, FLATTERIES WITHOUT WINKING;

TALL? MEN, SUN CROWNED,? WHO LIVE ABOVE THE FOG

IN PUBLIC? DUTY AND IN PRIVATE THINKING %u201C.

%u201CHe who having sworn by solemn oath at his coronation to protect the people from wrongful operation , fail to do so should be slain as a mad dog —?????????????????????????????????????????????????? Mahabharat

Leave this chanting and singing and telling of beads whom dost thou worship in this lonely dark corner of a? temple with all doors shut ? He is there where the tiller is tilling the hard ground and where the path maker is breaking stones. Put off the Holy mantle and even like him come down on the dusty soil.

The distress of Mahatma Gandhi on the wake of partition of Indian continent may still be heard from a distant voice calling to the people to unite and the unity in diversities may provide India%u2019s survival as? a nation before partition which depends on a wider vision of unity based on inter-dependence based on the sub continents and secularism? and social justice. Let us try to hear again how distressed Mahatma ji was at the turn of events on the wake of partition:

%u201C So far it was my desire to live upto the age of one hundred and twenty five years , but now I have no such desire . The objective before me was not just to attain freedom , but also to remove all the social ills in the society which had pestered during the 200 years of the British Rule. They have practically divested us of our traditions of tolerance and harmony and instead fomented hatred and discord through their communal policies . I had thought that we could change the entire system and the people of this country and would live together as brothers in love, harmony and peace, so that coming generations may be blessed with all of that , which we have been deprived of. Therefore in addition to the freedom of my country , the primary objective of my life was maintenance of? cordial relations? between Hindus and Muslims since I could not? attain my objective , this freedom has become tainted .Today when I see Hindus and Muslims separated with more or less permanent gulf , I feel politically and spiritually defeated . I have no desire to live any longer %u2026%u2026.when I cannot remove this mutual hatred and ill will between Hindus and Muslims , and cannot create feeling of love peace and harmony in name of God and religion , you tell whether there is any point in my living any more ? I would prefer death to this kind of life.%u201D

Partition of India was purely a political game fought with a mark of religious fundamentalism the speech of Quaid Azam Zinnah on 11-08-1947 who vehemently advocated the two nation theory was enunciated the Government of Pakistan policy has also realised the folly committed in accepting partition on communal lines in these words:

%u201CIf you change your past and work together in spirit that every one of you , no matter what community he belongs to, no matter what his colour , caste or creed , is first , second and last , a citizen of this state with equal rights, privileges and obligation there will be no end to the progress you will make. I cannot emphasise it too much ; we should begin to work in that spirit , and in course of time , all these angularities , of the majority and minority communities, the Hindu community and the Muslim community , because even as regards Muslims, you have Pathans, Punjabis, Shias , Sunnis, and so on and among the Hindus you have Brahmins , Vaishnavas, Khatris also Bengalis Madrasi%u2019s and so on , will vanish. You may go to your temples, Mosques or any religion or caste or creed, that has nothing to do with the business of the state %u2026%u2026.We are starting with the fundamental principle that we all citizens and equal citizens of one State%u2026.%u201D

The general expectations that by accepting partition of India , communal madness would subside and peace would prevail and both countries would live like good neighbours and friends, were belied immediately on the wake of partition , in human tale of woe and misery followed communal hatred ., madness, barbarism and its free hands both in Pakistan and India according to an estimate about 6 lacs people lost their lives and 14 lacs had lost their homes. The religious fanatism spread over the Indian continent in bitterness and repeated? the story of shame and barbarity. Large scale exodus of refugees and their rehabilitation , subsequent three wars fought with severity loosing the life of many patriot living in both the sub continent, river water dispute and still continuing to create fresh problems of terrorism and sabotage with hostility and? mutual suspicion in the inhabitants living between the two states, large scale violence , regional problem are the? direct out come and the after effect? the partition of India

Time is a three -fold -present; the present as we experience it, the past as? a present memory and future as a present expectations. The expectations cannot be the same as anticipation . A wish a desire or a hope however earnest and a sincere a wish, a desire or a hope may be and one may confidently look to them to be fulfilled the same cannot be an asserted? expectation . A pious hope leading to a moral obligation can be infect only if it is founded on the sanction of reason and to fulfil such expectation should be justifiably protected through analysis as rectification to fructify into a right in the? conventional sense. Thus a protection of such expectation may be required through overriding public opinion and public interest which can provide substantive justification to germinate the idea of unification of the old %u201CHouse%u201D of Indian continent by demolition of those walls, consisting of armed forces on whose maintenance 60% of the national income used to be expended and thereby perpetuation of the hatred coupled with community frenzy between the people living in both the subcontinent, has now the need of the time.

Let us examine the factors responsible for the partition of India , certain extra-ordinary emotional circumstances in the event of quick succession rushed through a very disparate? speed which caught in the whirl wind having a sort of commutative effect on our national life. The operation of the system of? working of two political parties that is Indian congress and Muslim league and lack of collective wisdom in the leaders of both the political party had ultimately resulted into the partition of Indian continent . Gandihiji observed after the partition %u201Cwhen the congress leaders had virtually buried him a life , Gandhiji gave the said spirited reply%u201D I cling to the hope that I am not yet buried alive. The hope rests on the belief that massed? have not lost faith in my ideals . When it is proved that they have, they will be lost and I can then be said to have been buried alive. But as long as my faith burns bright, as I hope it will even if stands alone , I shall alive in? the grave, and what is more , speaking from it. The life is worthless which ignores or disregards moral values.

With the demand for local self government the tempo of national movement? gain movement gain momentum , thus the government? of India act 1909 Known as Morely Minto Act was passed by the parliament of England. Then came the first world war? 1914 in which the people of India forgetting all differences , co-operated in anticipation of self government and? Home rule after the war . This was done on the basis of pronouncement in parliament on 20th August 1917 regarding assurance as per policy of British government for granting responsible government by providing for the increasing association of Indians cocuy branch of Indian administration and for gradual development of self governing institution with a vision to progressive realisation of responsible government in India as an integral part of British empire? and there after quit of India. Act 1919 was passed by the parliament. The governor general issue ordinance which were to have the free of law for six months. The Indian people had expected much more and men co-operation , civil discipline? disobedience movements and terrorist activities started . Inspired communal riots insisted the necessity to send statutory commission popularity knew as Simon commission for England in 1927 to study the problems which was boycotted by Indian national congress. The commission submitted its report vehemently condemning diarchy which was discussed at round Table conference led to the government of India Act !935. Sir Stafford Cripps? made negations with the acceptance that the elected body of Indians should frame the Indian constitution and for the purpose calinet? mission was send to assist the viceroy in setting up the constitution and to mediate between the congress and Muslim league. The plan was made public on May 16, 1946. India was to remain one state with the central government power to empire to Foreign affairs , communication and defence. The provinces would be grenped geographically into three regions, are predominantly? Hindu other Muslim and third nearly equal population of the communities. Both Congress and Muslim League accepted the clainet mission plan .

Government? of? India Act 1935 has provided separate electorate and communal representation in the central and provincial legislature. To strengthen hands of all India Muslim league that critical stage in 1945 , British Government had decided to hold general election both for central legislative assembly and? provincial legislature under? the government of India Act 1935. In that high pitch of communal frenzy, the result? was foregone conclusion.

Elections to the central legislative assembly was held first. The results of election to the to the central legislative assembly were known towards the end of December 1945. The congress won overwhelming success in the general constituencies while Muslim league won all the Muslim seats. The nationalist Muslims mostly forfeited their deposits in many constituencies. Congress secured 91.3%of the votes cast in Non Mohammedan constituencies and? the Muslim league got 86.6 % of the total votes cast in Mohammedan? constituencies.

The Final Figures were

Congress %u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026.57

Muslim League %u2026%u2026%u2026%u202630

independents %u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u20265

Alkali Sikhs %u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u20262

European %u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u20268

Total elected seats%u2026%u2026%u2026.102

Elections to the provincial legislature followed shortly. The results in the different provinces may be summed to as follows :

i) ??? Sindh The Muslim league won 27 seats and one independent member joined it after the election. The congress won 21 seats but was joined by seven members belonging to two other group And by one independent labour members . Although the congress coalition commanded a majority of one over the Muslim league. The leader of the league was asked to form a ministry by the Governor.

ii) ?? N.W.F.P : The Congress won 30 seats (Including 19 Muslim seats ) while the Muslim league got only 16 Dr.Khan Saheb formed? congress ministry.

iii) ? Punjab out of 175 seats the result of the election were as follows :

1)Muslim league???????????? 75

2)Congress???????????????????? 51

3)Akali Dal?????????????????????? 22

4)Unionist?????????????????? ?????20

5)Independents???????????????? 7

There were some changes after the elections ,Congress and Akali Sikhs formed a working alliance and invited Muslim league to join it. But the negotiation failed . Eventually a coalition was formed between Congress, Alkali Sikhs and unionist , under Mr. Khizar Hyat Khan who formed the ministry .

iv) ? Bengal :Out of 250 seats , the Muslim league won only 113 seats and the congress 87 seats. Mr. H. S. Shuhrawardy the leader of the Muslim league negotiated with the Congress? for a coalition , but being? unsuccessful, formed a league ministry with the support of independent members .

v) ?? In other Provinces of Bombay , Madras, U.P,? Bihar and C.P the Muslim league captured 54,34 and 13 seats , out of the total Muslim seats numbering 66,40 and 14 respectively .

vi) ? The result of the election in the provinces confirmed the deductions made on the basis of the election to the central legislative assembly . They proved that the congress and the Muslim league were the only two parties that counted in the country ,representing respectively the Hindus and the Muslim communities, except? in the N.W.F.P and Singh . But it is noticeable that the Muslim league could not get absolute majority anywhere , even in the Muslim Majority Provinces.

It is significant to note that apart from all other factors it is the diplomacy of the then British Rulers that was mainly responsible for partition of India. While leaving India their main attempt was to hustle everything with undue haste and? to balkanise India into several political units. Ultimately India was partitioned into two states and leaving 500 and odd Indian states as independent units giving option to them either to join India or Pakistan as per their discretion . It is obvious that the British rulers wanted to keep always , a vast country like India, internally weak and divided ,as part of their global strategy and international power game .

On May 15 just before the despatch of the? Cabinet delegation to India , Mr Attlee , the British Prime Minister, used these words —

My colleagues are going to India with the intention of using their utmost endeavour to help her attain her freedom as speedily and fully as possible .What form of government is to replace the present regime? is for India to forthwith the machinery fore making that decision

But if she does so elect it must be her own free will . The British commonwealth and empire is not bound together by chains of external compulsion. It is a free association of free peoples. If on the other she elects for independence, in our view she has a right to do so It will be for us to help to make the transition as smooth and easy as possible .

Charged in these? historic words we – the cabinet ministers and the Viceroy have done our? utmost? to assist the two main political parties to reach agreement upon the fundamental issue of the unity or division of India After the prolonged discussion in New Delhi we succeeded in bringing the Muslim league together in conference at Simla .

The size of the non Muslim minorities in a Pakistan comprising the whole of six provinces enumerated above would be very considerable as the following figures show %u2013

North western Area—–

Muslim?????????????????? Non Muslims

Punjab?????????????????????????????????? 16,217, 242????????? ????????12,201, 577

North west frontier Provinces?? 2,788, 797?????????????????????? 249,270

Sind???????????????????????????????????????? 3,208, 325?????????????????????? 1,326,683

British Baluchistan?????????????????? ?438, 930??????????????????????? ????62,701

22653294? ?????????????????????13840231

62.07%????????????????????????? 37.93 %

North Eastern?? Area—

Bengal?????????????????????????????????????? 33005434??????????????????????? 27301 091

Assam???????????????????????????????????????? 3442479???? ?????????????????????6762254

36447913???????????????????????? 34063345

( Based on Census 1941)

These figures show that the setting up of a separate Sovereign state of Pakistan on the lines claimed by the Muslim League would not solve the communal minority? problem ; nor can we see any justification for including within a sovereign? Pakistan those districts of Punjab and Assam and Bengal in which the population is predominantly non Muslim. Every argument that can be used in favour of Pakistan can equally in our? view be used in favour of exclusion of Non- Muslims area in Pakistan. This point particularly affect the position of Sikhs.

Six major proposals

Common case recommended that the constitution should take the following??????????? basic form -

1)There should be a union of India , embracing both British India and the states which should deal with the following subjects :– Foreign Affairs ; defence and communication ; and should have the powers necessary to raise the finances required for the above subjects

2) ?? The Union should have an executive and a legislature constituted from British Indian? and states? representatives Any question raising a major communal issue in the legislature should require for its decision a majority of the representatives present and voting of each of the two major communities as well as a majority of all the members present and voting.

3) ?? All subjects other than the union subjects and all residuary powers should vest in the provinces.

4) ?? The states will retain all subjects and the powers other than those ceded to the union.

5) ?? Provinces should be free to form Groups with executives and legislatures , and each group could determine the provincial subjects to be taken in common

6) ?? The constitutions of the union and of the groups contains a provision whereby any province could by a majority? , vote of its legislative assembly call for a reconsideration of the terms of the constitution after an initial period of 10 years and at 10 yearly intervals thereafter.

After careful consideration? conclusion was that the fairest and most practicable plan would be

a) ?? To allot to each province a total number of seats proportional to its population, roughly in the ratio of one to a million , as the nearest substitute for representation by the adult suffrage.

b) ?? To divide this provincial allocation of seats between the main communities in each province in proportion to their population .

c) ?? To provide that? the representative are allotted to each community in a province shall be elected by the members of that community in its legislative assembly.

Table of representation

Section A

Province?????????????? General?????????????????? Muslim??????????? Total

Madras?????????????????????? 45??????????????????????????? 4?????????????????? 49

Bombay???????????????????? 19????????????? ???????????????2?????????????????? 21

United Provinces??????? 47??????????????????????????? 8?????????????????? 55

Bihar????????????????????????? 31??????????????????????????? 5?????????????????? 36

Central Provinces????? 16??????????????????????????? 1?? ????????????????17

Orrisa????????????????????????? 9??????????????????????????? 0??????????????????? 9

———————————————————————————-

Total???????????????????????? 167???????????????????????? 20????????? ?????????187

Section B

Province?????????????? General???????????????? Muslim????????? Sikh?????? Total

Punjab?????????????????????? 8???????????????????????? 16??????????????? 4??????????? 28

N.W.F.P??????????????????? 0?????????????????????????? 3?????? ?????????0????????????? 3

Sind????????????????????????? 1?????????????????????????? 3??????????????? 0?????????????? 4

—————————————————————————————-

Total????????????????????????? 9??????????????? ????????22?????????????? 4??????????????? 35

Section C

Province??????????????????????????? General?????????????????? Muslim????????????? Total

Bengal?????????????????????????????????? 27???????????????????????? 33??????????????????? 60

Assam????????????? ???????????????????????7?????????????????????????? 3?????????????????? 10

—————————————————————————————–

Total?????????????????????????????????????? 34???????????????????????? 36????????????????? 70

Total for British India????????????????? ..????????????????????????????????????????? 292

Maximum for Indian states???????? ..??????????????????????????????????????????? 93

—————————————————————————————–

Total???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 385

Viceroy%u2019s broadcast (May? 17 , 1946)

I wonder whether you realise that this is the greatest and most momentous experiment in government in the whole history of the world %u2013a new constitution to control the destiny of 400,000,000 people . A grave responsibility indeed on all of us who are privileged to assist in making it.

Lastly I must emphasise the seriousness of the choice before you . It is the choice between peaceful construction or the disorder of civil strife , between ordered progress or confusion . I am sure you will not hesitate in your choice for co-operation .

May I end with some words which were quoted by one great man to the other at a crisis of the late war , and may well be applied to India at this crisis ?

Thou too , sail on , O ship of the state ,

Sail on , O Union , strong and great :

Humanity with all its fears

With all the hopes of future years,

Is hanging breathless on thy fate.%u2019

Letter from the? president of the Muslim league to Lord Pethick -Lawrence , dated May 8 , 1946

I have now received? the letter of your private Secretary , dated May 8 ,1946 and the enclosed document to which you had referred in your letter of May 8, 1946 .

It is proposed by you that this paper be discussed at the next meeting of the conference to be held on Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m

if this is agreeable to the Muslim league delegation .

Your proposal embodied in your letter of April 27, 1946 , runs as follows :

%u201CA union government dealing? with the following subject —–Foreign Affairs ,Defence and Communications . There will be two groups of the provinces , the one of the predominantly Hindu provinces and the other of the predominantly Muslim provinces , dealing with all other subjects? which the provinces in the respective groups desire to be dealt with in common The provincial government will deal with all other subjects and will have all residuary sovereign rights%u201D

Mr Jinnah speaks on the? Mission%u2019s? proposal

(May 22 , 1946)

I have now before me the statement of the British cabinet delegation and the viceroy dated May 15 .Before I deal with it I should like to give a background of the discussion that took place at Simla from May 5 onwards till the conference were declared concluded and its breakdown announced in the official communiqué dated May 12.

We met in conference on May 5 to consider the formula of embodied in letter of the secretary of state of India? dated April 27 inviting the league representatives

The formula was as follows :

A Union government dealing with the following subjects :foreign affairs, defence and communications. There will be two groups of provinces the one of the predominantly Hindu provinces and the other of the predominantly Muslim provinces dealing with the all other subjects which the provinces in the respective group desire to be dealt? with in common. The provincial governments will deal with all other subjects and will have all the residuary sovereign rights.

MUSLIM LEAGUE DEMANDS

Muslim league position was that :

Firstly the zones comprising Bengal and Assam in the north -east and the Punjab , the N.W.F.P, Sind and? Baluchistan? in the north west of India constituted Pakistan zones and should be constituted as a sovereign , independent State and that an unequivocal undertaking be given to implement the establishment of Pakistan without delay .

Secondly, that separate constitution making bodies be set-up by the people of Pakistan and Hindustan for the purpose of framing their respective constitution.

Thirdly , that the minorities in Pakistan and Hindustan be provided with safeguards on the lines of the Lahore resolution.

Fourthly, that the acceptance of the league demand and its implementation without delay were a sine qua non? for league co-operation and participation in the formation of an interim Government at the centre.

Fifthly, it gave a warning to the British Government against any attempt to impose a federal constitution on a united India basis or forcing any interim arrangement at the centre contrary to the league demand and that Muslim India would resist if any attempt to impose it were made. Besides such an attempt would be the grossest breach of faith of the declaration of his Majesty%u2019s Government made in August 1940 with the approval of the British Parliament and subsequent pronouncement by the Secretary of State for India? and other responsible British statesmen from time to time reaffirming the August declaration.

Hindu Mahasabha%u2019s? %u2018resolution%u2019

The All India committee of Hindu Mahasabha notes that the fundamental principles of the Hindu Mahasabha, namely the unity and integrity of India , has been accepted? only in theory by the cabinet Mission by their proposal for the formation of one Indian union and by their rejection of Pakistan. But the committee regrets that in practise this has been whittled down and the apprehension of the communal domination of the Muslims has been unduly exaggerated , although the apprehension of the minority in the Muslim majority area has been totally ignored. The Hindus , as such have no existence in the political? scheme of the mission and have been lumped together with others under the misleading category of %u201CGeneral%u201D

The Mahasabha has opposed Pakistan or the partition of India into two entire sovereign states not on sectional or communal grounds but in the interest of India as a whole . The Central Government as envisaged in the cabinet Mission proposal will be too weak. To pull her full weight in the international world.

The committee reiterates its demands for the formation of a strong central Government to check and control the disruptive forces in the Indian body politic and to pool all national resources for effective planning in order to prevent the economic exploitation of the poor masses. World security is linked up with the building up and maintenance of a really free and prosperous India . That object can never be achieved with a truncated centre and a hybrid constitution based on artificial grouping of the provinces with residuary powers vested in them. Those provinces will then be in a position to put up tariff walls and to clog the progress of India in the social and economic fields. In order to make effective any large scale economic and administrative and to prevent the disintegration of India after the withdrawal of the British power of India , it is essential that the centre should be strong enough and should be clothed with constitutional authority to deal with customs tariffs currency , banking , and other subjects should have authority to intervene in cases of emergency minority oppression or inter-provincial? deadlock and? to co-ordinate All India resources to fight famine and pestilence .

The Mahasabha cannot accept any constitution which negatives in actual practise , the salutary principle of India%u2019s integrity. It stands for an indissoluble union of provinces which may be re-constituted on cultural and linguistic basis.

The dominant idea lies behind the cabinet mission is to appease the Muslim league to the detriment of all other minorities .

The Mahasabha is opposed to a complicated machinery which seeks too set-up a three Decker constitution and which will place the Hindus of Punjab ,Bengal , Assam , Sind and the N.W.F.Province as well as the entire Sikh community at the mercy of Pakistanis and which will not provide any acceptable solution of the communal of the communal problem. The injustice done to the Hindus and Sikhs in Punjab, Bengal and Assam is further intensified by reason of the fact that these are vast areas in these provinces which are predominantly non Muslim .

The committee demands? that the artificial systems of grouping and the sub federation should be withdrawn . The constitution should be framed on the recognition of the principle of the sovereignty of the people.? There should be one constituent assembly which will frame the constitution of the provinces . We are opposed to? introduction of the principle of regionalism based on communalism and to? the grant of residuary powers to the provinces. The Mahasabha is also opposed to the pernicious principle of the parity in any shape or form .

The committee notes that one of the principles for which the hindu Mahasabha stood , viz.? representation on the basis of population strength has been recognised by the cabinet mission in the constitution? of the constituent assembly which is based on principle of one representative for one million people But this very principle has been vitiated in allowing the European members of Bengal and Assam Legislative assemblies to vote for or stand as candidates for the constituent Assembly . Thus of Hindu members of these assemblies will be deprived of? their own choice in proportion to their population.

The committee demands that the sovereign status of the constitution assembly should be recognised so that Indians may frame a constitution for themselves. The minority must not be allowed? to veto the progress of the majority or? to retard the building up of a healthy , self sufficient and prosperous India.

The Committee records its emphatic opinion that the scheme is inspired by the pro Muslim league tendencies of the British government, strengthened by the policy of appeasement pursued? by the congress. The scheme is unacceptable? to the Mahasabha unless it is modified in respect of the fundamental defects enumerated in this resolution .

The committee calls upon the Hindu status to realise the danger inherent in these proposals and urges upon them to mobilise the public opinion? effectively so that these proposals are not implemented , unless suitably modified in order to meet the aspiration of a free and united Hindustan.

The committee cannot accept the basis on which the interim government has? been constituted? by the viceroy . The principle of parity between caste Hindus and Muslims which formed part of the Wavell plan in June? 1945 has been received and thrust upon the country . This was condemned by the Mahasabha as antidemocratic and anti Hindu . Besides it runs counter to the principle of representation on population strength applied by the cabinet mission itself to the composition of the constituent assembly .

Resolution of the congress working committee

(April 2, 1942)

The working committee have given their full and earnest consideration to the proposals made by the British War cabinet in regard to India and the elucidation thereof by Sir Stafford Cripps . These proposals , which have been made at very last hour because of compulsion of events , have to be considered not only in relation to India%u2019s demand for independence, but more especially in the present grave war crisis with a view to meeting effectively the perils and? dangers that confronts India and envelops the world.

The congress has repeatedly stated , ever since the commencement of the war in September 1939, that the people of India would line themselves up with the progressive forces of the world and assume full responsibility?? to face the new problems and the shoulder the new burdens that had arisen , and it asked for necessary conditions to enable them to do so to be created . An essential condition was the freedom of India , for only the realisation of the present freedom could light the flame which would illumine millions of hearts and move them to action. At the last meeting of the all India congress committee , after the commencement of the war in the pacific , it was stated that %u201Conly a free and independent India can be in a position to under take defence of the country on a national basis and be of help in the furtherance of the larger? causes that are emerging from the storm? of? war%u201D

The British War cabinet %u2018s new proposals relate? principally to the future upon the cessation of the hostilities . The committee , while recognising that self determination for the people of India is accepted in the principle in that uncertain future , regret that this is fettered and? circumscribed and certain provisions have been introduced which gravely imperil the development of a free and united nation and the establishment of a democratic state. Even the constitution body is so constituted that the people%u2019s right to self determination is viated by the introduction of non-representative elements . The people of India have a whole clearly demanded full independence and the congress has repeatedly declared that no other status except that of independence for the whole? of India could? be agreed to or could meet the essential requirement of the present situation. The committee recognise that future independence may be implicit in the proposals, but the accompanying provisions and restrictions are such that real freedom may well become an illusion. The complete ignoring of the ninety millions of the Indian states and their treatment as commodities at the disposal of their rulers is a negation of both democracy and self determination . While the representation of an India state in the constitution – making body is fixed on a population basis , the people of the state have no voice in choosing those representative, nor are they to be consulted at any stage , while decisions vitally affecting them are being taken . Such states may in many ways? become barriers to the growth of Indian freedom , enclaves where foreign authority still prevails and where the possibility of? maintaining foreign armed forces has been stated to be? a likely contingency, and a perpetual menace to the freedom of people of the states as well as of the rest of India .The acceptance beforehand of the novel principle of non accession for a Province is also a severe blow to the conception of? Indian unity and an apple of discord likely to generate growing trouble in the Provinces , and which may well lead to further difficulties in the way of Indian states merging themselves in Indian Union. The congress has been wedded to Indian freedom and unity and any break in that unity especially in the modern world when people%u2019s minds inevitably think in terms of ever larger federation , would be injurious to all concerned and exceedingly painful to contemplate .Nevertheless the committee cannot think in terms of compelling the people in any territorial unit to remain in an Indian unit against there declared and established will. While recognising this principle , the committee feel that every effort should be made to create condition which would help the different unit in developing a common and co-operative national life . The acceptance of the principle inevitably involves that no charges should be made which result in fresh problems being created and compulsion being exercised on other substantial groups within that area . Each territorial unit should have the fullest possible autonomy within the union , consistently with a strong national state. The proposal now made on the? part of British war cabinet encourages and will lead to attempts at the very inception of a union and thus create friction just when the utmost co-operation and goodwill are most needed .

Any proposal concerning the future of India must demand attention and scrutiny , but in today%u2019s grave crisis , it is the present that counts , and even proposals for the future are important in so far as they affect the present .It has been made clear that the Defence of India will in any event remain under British control.

To take away defence from the sphere of this stage is to reduce that responsibility to a farce and a nullity , and to make it perfectly clear that India is not going to be free in any way and her government is not going to function as a free independent government during the pendency? of the war . The committee would repeat that an essential and fundamental prerequisite for the assumption of the responsibility by the Indian people in the present is their realisation as a fact that they are free and are in charge of maintaining and defending freedom. The committee , therefore , are unable to accept the proposals put forward on behalf of the British War cabinet.

The?? Working committee of the All-India Muslim League have given their most earnest and careful consideration to the announcement by Mr. Churchill , the British Prime Minister , in the House of Commons on March 11, 1942? and the draft declaration of the War cabinet of his majesty Government regarding the future of India and also the? interim proposals , during the critical period which now faces India , for the immediate participation of the leader of the principle sections of the Indian people in the councils of their country.

The committee appreciated?? the proposal of his majesty%u2019s Government regarding the draft declaration of August 8 1940 , which had??? promised to the Musalmans for the framing of the constitution to be enforced without the approval and consent of Muslim India.

The possibility of creation of Pakistan was recognised by implication of two or more independent establishment of unions in India which was not open to any alternative proposal and therefore???? was not open to any modification such proposal was unacceptable to them for reasons given below ;-

1)The Musalmans after 25 years of genuine efforts for the reconciliation of the two major communities and the bitter experience of the failure of such efforts, are convinced that it is neither just nor possible , in the interest of peace and happiness of the two peoples ,to compel them to constitute one Indian union , composed of two principal nations -Hindus and Muslims -which appears to be the main objects of His Majesty%u2019s Government , as adumbrated in the preamble of the Draft Declaration , the creation of more than one union being relegated only to the realm of remote possibility and is purely illusory

2)The primary object in the Draft? Declaration has been proposed by a constitution making body with creating one Indian union. The Muslim league decided finally that it will be unfair to Musalmans to compel them to enter with such a constitution making body whose main object is the creation of a new Indian Union which according to them may exacerbate? bitterness and animosity among the various elements in the country .

3)The right of non -accession to the union, as contemplated in the Draft- Declaration has been conceded ; presumably , in response to the insistent demands by the Musalmans for the partition of India .The Musalmans were not satisfied on a vital question affecting there future destiny and demand which according to them was a process of evading the real issues to court disaster .

The secretary of Sir Stafford Cripps on April 2 addressed to the president of al India Muslim League ;-%u201CA province should reach the decision whether or not to stand out of the union by a vote in the legislative assembly on a resolution to stand in . If the majority? for accession to the union is less than 60%, the majority? will have the right to demand a plebiscite of the adult population%u201D.

4)With regard to Indian states , it is considered opinion of the committee that it is a matter for them to decide whether to join or not to join or form a union

5)With regard? to the negotiations made between crown and the Indian union or unions , since it was not indicated as to what would happen in case of disagreement on the terms between the contradicting parties, there is a difference of opinion in negotiating a revision of treaty arrangements

6)The committee was unable to express their opinion with regard to their interim arrangement as there is no definite proposal except the bare statement of His Majesty Government and secondly is on account of the reason that Sir Stafford Cripps has made it clear that his scheme would either4 be accepted as a whole or is rejected as a whole but it is not possible to retain only the part relating to immediate arrangement at the centre? and discard the rest of the Draft scheme .

In conclusion the committee wish to point out that unless the principle of Pakistan scheme, as embodied in the Lahore resolution dated March 1940 ,the same is now the creed of the Muslim League, namely,

%u201CThe establishment of completely independent states formed by demarcating geographically contiguous unit into regions which shall be so constituted which such territorial adjustments on numerically in north western and eastern zones of India in which Musalmans are in the majority shall be the homeland of Muslim as constituent unit , autonomous and sovereign%u201D :

%u201CThat adequate effective?? and mandatory safeguards shall be specifically provided in the constitution for minorities in the above mention units for the protection of their religious , cultural , economic , political , administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them%u201D.:

%u201CThat in other part of India where the Musalmans are in minority ,? similar adequate, effective and mandatory safeguard shall be provided in the constitution%u201D.

This was unequivocally accepted and conceded the true verdict of Muslim India for enforcement of the right to self determination by the Musalmans and no other proposal or scheme was acceptable to the Muslim league regarding the future.

Let us recollect the course of the events that led to partition of India on 15th August, 1947.

1) ?? On 20th February 1947 , Lord Attlee the then Prime Minister made the Historic announcement of the end of British Rule in India by stating :

His Majesty%u2019s Govt. , wish to make it clear that it is their definite intention to take necessary steps to effect the transference of the power to? responsible Indian hands by a date not later than? June 1948 .

The above declaration was absolute and unconditional in as much as the transfer of power would not depend upon any agreement between the Indian Parties and it had set at rest al the doubts about the intention of the British Government in regard to the transfer of power?? by declaring a definite date? i.e.June 1958, when India would be free? from the British control.

ii)On 24th March 1947 Lord Mountbatten has assumed charges as New viceroy of India with the task entrusted to him of transferring to Indian hands , the responsibility? for the government of British India .

iii)On 3rd June 1947 Lord Attlee announced the plan containing the actual proposals for partition of India in the House of commons.

iv) ? Indian national?? congress working committee met on 3rd June 1947 and approved the new plan .Mr Jinnah had also accepted the new plan on 3rd June 1947 representing the all India Muslim league.

v) ?? On 4th June 1947 Lord Mountbatten had announced in a press conference that the transfer of power would be affected? not? on June 1948 as was declared by lord Attlee in the statement of 20th February 1947 but much earlier than that date in 1947 itself probably about 15th August? 1947? .

vi) ? The Congress committee again met on 12th June 1947 and prepared a draft resolution for the approval of All-India Congress Committee which met at New Delhi on 14th & 15th June 1947 to accepted the proposals embodied in 3rd June Plan .

vii) ?On 4th July , 1947 Indian Independence bill was Introduced in the house of commons . It was passed on 15th July 1947 It received Royal assent on 18th July , 1947 Beside other provisions contained in it? main provision of the Indian Independence Act was that there shall be set-up two Independent states India and Pakistan on 15th August 1947 .

viii) On 14th August 1947 Governor general of India promulgated India (Provisional constitution ) Order 1947 modifying an adapting Government of India Act 1935 to suit the? new circumstances.

ix) ? India that is Bharat became independent on 15th August ,1947 .

From the chronology of event s stated above? , it is evident that as per that famous unconditional announcement of February 1947 made by lord Attlee , it was the date June , 1948 , and not the 15th August , 1947 which was originally fixed for transfer of power. All things were settled by 3rd June 1947 ,British Government , congress and the Muslim league has accepted the partition plan by that date . In the face of all things settled , where was the urgency and the? need to advance and expedite the original l time schedule for transfer of power from June 1948 to a much earlier date of 15th August 1947 . it is unfortunate that in that high pitch? of communal frenzy And bitterness, the fate of the Hindu and the Sikh minorities? then living in Pakistan and the fate of the Muslim minorities then living in India who were the real victims , was unfortunately forgotten . Lakhs of poor and illiterate , Hindus??? , Sikhs and Muslim minorities

living in their respective? homes in far of f villages became overnight ,some what aliens and were mercilessly subjected to communal madness. If the original time schedule of June 1948 was adhered to by the leaders, the British rulers would have been compelled before the bar of World Public opinion? to maintain Law and Order in the whole of India till June of 1948 , and no prejudice? would have been caused to either party, since all things were finally settled by? 3rd June 1947 . The Hindu and Sikh minorities in Pakistan and the Muslim minorities in India would have got some advance intimation and would have got some time to adjust their own circumstances and sentiments and there would not have any such large scale panic stricken immediate migration overnight barbarism on either side. When partition of India was found inevitable and unavoidable and was accepted by? one all, least that could have been done as small as mercy to all religious minorities residing both in Pakistan? and in India , was to allow some berating time to them by adhering to original time schedule of June , 1948 or some other convenient date instead of rushing every thing with undue speed by 15th August ,1947 .They could have jointly requested the British Government to fix some other date instead of putting 15th August 1947 in the Indian Independence bill for the sake of adjustment and migration.

The configuration of 2nd world war threatened the very foundation of British government . The bill amending the constitution Act of 1935 in order to provide Special powers of co-ordinating the activities of central and provincial government to strike at the very root of provincial autonomy. And to render it in a force in case of war which in affect could create a war dictatorship of central government??? was promulgated .

The congress was prepared to co-operate in unequivocal term but the Muslim league imposed two nominating conditions in order to provide co-operation

1. ?? Muslims must be given justice and fair play in congress provinces and

2. ?? No future constitution be made for India without approval of the Muslim League. British? government was not prepared to commit itself in advance on the post war constitutional status of India as a result of which Congress government tendered their resignation to the governors by the end of October 1939 . Muslim league adopted a policy of wait and watch. During next two years, congress drifted any from possibility of settling the political deadlock while Muslim league consolidated its position through Jinnah%u2019s adroit? -manoeuvring?? and bargaining with viceroy .During this period the Muslim league passed its Pakistan resolution at Lahore in 1940 demanding the setting of separate sovereign Muslim state, comprising the Muslim pre -abominated provinces of India on 8th August , 1940 the British Government made? an offer as the August5 offer with their intention for exposure of governor general council to include certain number of representation of political parties and to set up a consultative committee .Congress rejected the? August offer . And the rift between the government and congress become wider . Congress leader started civil disobedience .

The Cripps Mission 1942 arrived at 22nd March , 1942 promised dominion status after the war hearing are third of its member as appoints of the princess. The province or the native states which did not like the future constitution may refuse to accede and meant for balkanisation of India? . This was rejected unanimously. The Calinet Mission 1946 studied the situation and recommend a part? from other that the constituent assembly? was to be elected from the provincial assemblies which were to be sp9ilt up into Hindu and Muslims in the election the representative of their major two communities were to be sent on the basis of population of each community in the province. The Muslim boycotted the constituent assembly . Lastly came Indian Independence act 1947 with the ugly provisions for? decision of British India into two independent dominions of India and Pakistan receiving the prospect of people living in both the dominions through betrayal and thereby achieving their activities to divide the material resources and potential of our nation by %u201CDivide and Rule %u201Cpolicy even aft4er the independence to our great nation , where the people of both community can very well live under their collective representation? through mutual love and brotherhood in competitive spirit to strengthen the integrity and development of unified Indian citizens , who were living amicably even before the partition of India .

The extra ordinary emotional circumstances had overtaken the feeling of national integration compared to main stream of rich cultural heritage and civilisation of India in quick succession after the period of British rule from 1757 and crucial period has started after declaration of Pakistan resolution? at Lahore in 1940 and our independence rushed through a very desperate speed paying a very high price as our national leaders were caught up in the whirlwind of violent and emotional events of religious dominion in Indian Muslims . The cumulative effect over Indian policy was now confronted with certain deep-rooted maladies providing great impediments in the way of our national development and even threatening the very security? and integrity of our nation. People do not live? to face the truth and thus avoid expressing? bitter truth . So it is sugar-coated words but still the same can%u2019t ignore the impact of bittes historical truth by evasive attitude and therefore the maladies get deep-rooted by passage of time .? It may compel to tolerate even for the save of some temporary gain but to compromise with the evil for a long time may not solve the problem rather make them more complicated and to avoid unassented severe consequences for claiming infallibility a delicate balance be maintained for national importance . The supreme sacrifice by partition of our? great nation was offered by the national leader as the price of the freedom due to there imprudence , sentimental , impulsive divisive segmentation . The policy of %u201Cdivide and rule%u201D to the other alien countries was itself evident over the weak characters citizens living in India who were proved of being ruled through foreign ambitions , has again be submerged into the Indian continent even after getting the independence we have become slave of our? peri0dical outburst which generated the feeling of hatred resulting into the confrontation between the two subcontinents and ultimately witnessed three successive battles resulting into casualties from both the side and loss of the vital resources while the internal proxy by provoking the sentiments of the people living in both the subcontinent is still going on which is detrimental for the citizens of both the nations . The house having very vital expansion and unprecedented traditions with natural resources and most suitable climate having plenty of water for irrigation has been divided into two parts and the brothers /step-brothers is not being allowed to visit in the other part of the partition of the same house due to po0litical aspirations of our national? leaders to control the affairs in the powers. This smacks some prejudice and lack of pragmatism political ambitions may be a means to an end but they do not cater the changing requirement of the people living in both the sub-continents of India and Pakistan . The poor peasant societies have been kept sent an subdued personally and politically in the matters of sharp contrast Germany despite the diversification in their policy between wets and east live , the north pole and the south pole on ideological fronts have now been unified in a single identity . Then? people of Indian continent living in subcontinent of India and Pakistan may also be unified by getting a control over their impulsive , religious , fanatism for which Indian congress and Muslim league have to be blamed in the historical background but after the dawn of? about 50 years of independence we have not started realisi
PARTITION OF INDIA %u2013 A Pure Political Game