Category: DR PATHAN – Notes

COMMUNAL SITUATION IN SINDH (1937-1947) AS RECORDED AND REPORTED BY SINDH GOVERNMENT. [Part-1]

This research and compilation is based on the ‘secret reports’ sent by the Home Department of the Government of Sindh to the Government of India & Viceroy. Every entry carry the reference at its end. (Dr.Pathan).

1. The communal situation in the Province is now quiet. [ Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 19th May 1937 Fortnightly report for the first half on May 1937].

2. Two further incident of ‘Quran -burning’ occurred at Shikarpur on the 8th and 11th instant but though they caused a certain amount of excitement on distrubances took place. [ Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 19th May 1937 Fortnightly report for the first half on May 1937].

3. Mild tension was caused between the Hindus and Muslims of Pir-jo-Goth by the conversion of one Hindu- Harpal, aged 21, to Islam at Amrot, taluka Garhi Yasin, but the intervention of the local officers was successful in pacifying the feelings between the two communities. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/38, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 10th June 1938 Fortnightly report for the Second half of May1938].

4. A series of incidents took place at Sultankot, a village near Shikarpur which might have led to a serious clash between Hindus and Muslims of Sultankot and possibly of Shikarpur, On the 25th November, three leaves of the Holy Qur’an were found in a burnt condition under a mat inside the Juma Mosque, when the congregation met for Friday prayers. On the 27th November, the Granth Sahib and another holy book of Hindus was reported to be missing from the Mandir reserved for ladies. On the following day, three leaves of the Holy Qur’an were observed by a Muslim barber in a torn condition in the main bazaar. On the 30th November, a Hindu was attacked at night by two Muslims, while he was returning home from the railway station. Fortunately, the injury was not serious. Both Hindus and Muslims of Sultankot were greatly agitated over these incidents, but the prompt measures taken by the local officers helped to pacify the feelings of both the communities, and prevented the situation from becoming serious. The reports regarding these incidents caused a stir at Shikarpur, where a grave riot had taken place last year in similar circumstances, but the Honourable the Chief Minister, who happened to be there time, immediately met the local leaders and exerted his personal influence in preserving peace and preventing panic among the people Some local bad characters are suspected and the Police investigation is in progress. In the mean while, adequate measures have been taken at both the place to maintain law and order. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/38, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 5th December 1938 Fortnightly report for the Second half of November 1938].

 5. The trouble in connection with the demolition of  a Hindu temple, mentioned in the last report, subsided on a satisfactory settlement being reached between Government and Hindu leaders. Communal tension, however, has not yet abated owing to intensified agitation for the restoration to the Muslims of the Manzilgah building at Sukkur. ‘Manzilgah Day’ was observed on the 18th August according to schedule and threats were held out of resort to Satyagraha and civil disobedience and also to a campaign for the overthrow of the present Ministry. A sum of about Rs.2,400 was collected for the furtherance of the agitation and the seriousness of the position compelled the District Magistrate, Sukkur, to issue an order under section 144, Criminal Procedure Code. At the intervention of Government, however, the order was withdrawn and it was hoped that issue of an official statement to the Press that Government were giving the matter full consideration would prevent the threats of Satyagraha,  etc. from taking concrete shape.  Negotiation between Government and the leaders of the agitation has precipitation the crises and that section 144, Criminal Procedure Code, has been re-promulgated. The situation, however, is in hand and will be described further in my next report. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 2nd October February  1939 Fortnightly report for the Second half of August/First half of September 1939].

6.  Sukkur was the cemmunal trouble as a result of an assault by some Hindus on a Muslim named Abdul Rahim son of the Rir of Bharchundi. The cause of the assault is said to be discontent because of the conversion to Islam of Hindus by Abdul Rahim, but communal ill-feeling has been smouldering for sometime between the two communities as a result of the activities of the local Muslim League which of late seems to be bent on inciting communal hatred. The Muslims and particularly the Pir’s followed are greatly agitated over the incident, and the Hindus feel nervous as the followers of the Pir, who are alleged to be a fanatical sect, are supposed to have sworn vengeance. A complaint has been registered and is under investigation by the local police. The situation is at present quiet but an under- current of communal tension still prevails beneath an apparent calm. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 2nd August1939 Fortnightly report for the Second half of July 1939].

7. Feeling on account of the Sukkur Manzilgah affair continued to be fostered by foul propaganda in the press. An anti-British tone is also apparent in some newspapers. The Provincial Press Adviser warned several newspapers for publishing matters contravening the provisions of the various press notices. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 17th October 1939 Fortnightly report for the First half of October 1939].  

8. The Muslim and Hindu Press in Sind continue to fan the flames of communalism by publishing articles likely to excite communal feelings. Hindu for instance started wild rumours that Muslims were disintering the bones of the dead from grave yards and were reburying them within the precincts of the Manzilgah while. Muslim papers appealed to their brethren not buy food from Hindu shops as a Hindu had been caught cooking pork, Agitation carried on in the press by Muslims characterises the Hindus as narrow-minded, cowardly and mean. One paper goes on to say ” the Hindus should use their own commonsense and realize that eventually they have to live in Sind by sucking the blood of Muslims”. According to reports from Sukkur the Hindus are jubilant over the promulgation of the Sind Ordinance. Some Muslim agitators on the contrary consider the Ordinance as a challenge and are inclined to treat it with defiance, while others think that it is a game of blutt and will remain a dead letter. The Pir of Bharchundi is annoyed with Moulvi Abdul Hamid editor of “Alminar” of Sukkur for reporting that the Pir had decided to withdraw himself and his men from the Manzilgah agitation. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 3rd November 1939 Fortnightly report for the Second half of October 1939].

9.The Hindus have further started an agitation against the separation of Sind from Bombay and an attempt is being made to induce the authorities to rescind the order of separation and to reunite the two provinces. They say that they have suffered in the judicial, Public Works, Police and other Government departments in the Judicial, public Works, Police and other Government departments in which the rights of Hindus have been completely ignored although there is a standing order that 50 per cent. of posts are to be given to non-Muslims. Men and money are being collected for propaganda to get Sind reunited with Bombay. As a counter move it is understood that Haji Sir Abdullah Haroon is requesting His Excellency the Viceroy that Sind be joined to the Punjab if as a separate province it cannot stand on its own legs. It is said that Mr. M.A. Jinnah is to accompany Sir Abdullah Haroon on this mission. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 3rd November 1939 Fortnightly report for the Second half of October 1939].  

10. The process of appeasement in Sukkur District has received a setback from two incidents which occurred during the period under report. The first was the remarkable kidnapping of a British Military Officer who had gone for a walk in the forest about three miles from Sukkur. He was assaulted by six persons believed to belong to the Khosa tribe, who relieved him of his shot gun and a gold ring and carried him some sixteen miles into the interior before he could make his escape. After wandering about for the best part of twenty-four hours, he was retrieved by a search party and returned to Sukkur. The other incident occurred on January 11th, when a party consisting of a Hindu forest contractor and two Hindu officials driving in a tonga were fired upon by persons unknown, in a forest area on the East bank of the river. The tonga driver and one of the officials were killed and the other two wounded. On this occasion also a shot gun, which was being carried by the contractor, was stolen. These incidents, though isolated, are likely to delay the return of the Hindu population to their village homes. The investigation of cases is proceeding vigorously, and it is believed that some seven hundred persons have been arrested though what kind of evidence will be available against such large gangs remains to be seen. It is proposed to introduce a Bill in the next session of the Assembly extending the system of trial by Jirga to Sukkur District. A Police Sub-Inspector, whose negligence is alleged to have contributed to the murder of a number of Hindu living in his beat, has been suspended. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 18th January 1940 Fortnightly report for the First half of January 1940].

11. The liberal grant of gun licences, though necessary for the protection of the Hindus village population, increases the risk of theft of these weapons, and is no doubt a source of temptation to bad characters: thus in Naushahro Taluka in the Nawabshah District a bania’s shop was looted at dusk and his gun was stolen. The offenders were promptly arrested by the police and in addition to the gun which was stolen another gun was also seized. On the other hand some Panchayats feel nervous of employing Muslim chwkidars, and having no reliable guards of their own have not made use of the gun licences granted to them. Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 4th March 1940 Fortnightly report for the Second half of February 1940].

12. A private meeting of the Hindu Assembly members and other Hindus leaders was held in Karachi, when the question of starting a Hindu Military College in Sind was discussed . Two Committee (1) the Education Committee and (2) he Fund Collection Committee, were formed. Donations amounting to Rs. 9,000 were promised at the meeting. This seems to be independent of the School at Sukkur referred to in paragraph 21 of my last report. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 4th March 1940 Fortnightly report for the Second half of February 1940].

13. The Hindu Panchayats are busy forming volunteer corps for their protection. It has been reported that about 250 Hindu volunteers were seen on night patrols in Hyderabad. At a private meeting of the District Satyagraha Committee, Mirpurkhas, held on the 17th July, it was decided from a District Volunteer Dal with Mirpurkhas as its headquarters. A volunteer crops is also being formed at Digri in Thar Parkar district. The matters is under the consideration of Government. Aprivate meeting of prominent Harijan workers was held at Hyderabad by the Sind Provincial Harijan Shevak Sangh. It was decided to appoint additional organizers and propaganda workers and to secure employment for the Harijans. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 5th August 1940 Fortnightly report for the Second half of July 1940].

14. Reference paragraph 9 of the report for the first fortnight in the month, enquiries are being made as to the exact number of people who have recently migrated from Sind. The District Superintendent of Police, Sukkur, reports that 4,000 Hindus have left Sukkur for Jodhpur, Hardwar, Jaipur, Bikanir and elsewhere. The District Superintendent of Police, Upper Sind Frontier, reports that about 375 persons have left his district. Enquiries are being made from other Superintendent of Police. Steps are being taken in all districts a special police for the Sukkur district consisting of 12 Sub-Inspectors. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 5th August 1940 Fortnightly report for the Second half of July 1940].   

15.A notorious criminal, Bhai Khan Khoso, has been recently arrested in Sukkur. He was wanted for a numbers of crimes, including murders and dacoities. He will now stand his trial for murder. Considerable feeling of insecurity still prevails in the minds of the Hindus of the province and the news of any fresh incident throes the Hindu population into a state of nervousness. There have been two dacoities during the fortnight. One was at Kot Lalu on the borders of Nawabshah district and Khairpur State. The dacoit concerned, a well known criminal named Mazahar, defied the Police for some hours before he was finally captured after being badly wounded. The other was at the village Mori MAngir, Hyderabad district, where three dacoits killed a Hindu Seth with a hatchet and shot his wife. [Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S) 40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 20^th August 1940. Fortnightly Report for the first half of August 1940].

16.The vernacular Hindu newspapers have been bitterly complaining of the insecurity prevailing in Sind. They blame the authorities for not taking proper steps against the unruly elements in the province. The “Hindu”, writing under the caption “What does the Sind Government propose to do?”, remarks that conditions in Sind have become very serious. Disquieting reports are received from every part of the province, but no vigorous action is being taken. It deplores that in spite of the abnormal conditions prevailing in the province, only 200 extra policemen have been recruited. The Hon’ble Premier called a conference of all the District Supperitendents of Police, which was also attended by the Hon’ble Ministers, the Chief Secretary and the Inspector-General of Police, in order to discuss the situation and to devise means of improving it. [Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S) 40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 22^nd July1940. Fortnightly Report for the first half of July 1940].

17. Communal relations continue to be stramed. The assault on Seth Khubomal in Sukkur district created considerable alarm and resentment in the minds of the Hindus. The “Sujagi,” under the caption “What does the murderous assault on Seth Khubomal show?”, remarks: “The recent murderous assault on Seth Khubomal shown that the Muslim of Sind have become emboldened. If Government desires that there should be peace and order in Sind, it should deal drastically with perpetrators of such crimes. If however, Government does nothing in the matter, the Hindus should either rely on themselves or migrate from Sind”. The “Qurbani” under the caption “ Goonda Act” remarks that riots occurred in Sukkur as result of the weak policy of the former Government. The crime is on the increase. The Pir of Bharchundi has a hand in the assault of Seth Kunwar Ram, and it rests with Government to take action against him. The same paper writing under the caption “Why this exodus?” remarks “The news come from Shikarpur that many people are leaving Shikarpur and going out of Sind. The result of this step on their part which is inspired by false alarm will prove suicide not only for the people of Shikarpur, but for the People of the mofussil the as well”. Concluding the paper appeals to the Hindus of Shikarpur to abandon the idea of migrating to other places and to arrange for the defence of their town.[Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S) 40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 22^nd July1940. Fortnightly Report for the first half of July 1940].

18. It appears that the reports of reports of the migration of Hindus may be somewhat exaggerated but it is true that certain rich Hindu families from Shikarpur, Tatta and elsewhere have gone to Hardwar and Rajputana. One of the Honourable Rao Sahib Gokaldas gives the figures of refugees form Shikarpur as 15,000. Effoerts will be made to get an approximately correct figure before the next fortnightly report is sent.[Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S) 40.Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 22^nd July1940. Fortnightly Report for the first half of July 1940].

19.  The Hindus who migrated from Miro Khan taluka in Larkana District have returned to their respective Villages with their families. Most of the local agitators being at Karachi making and unmaking Ministries, Sukkur District is comparatively quiet, through the evil effects of the disturbances have not abated. At- Garhi Yasin, a taluka town, a village inferior servant was hacked to pieces almost within sight of an officer’s camp. Some houses of Muslim Zamindars and others were burnt within Rohri town, it being suspected that this was due to communal tension. Elsewhere in the Province there has been a general calm, the fear of Hindus for their lives being now somewhat reduced, and conditions appear to be normal. Even the clamour for gun licences has almost subsided. With good prospects of an excellent wheat harvest, agriculturists have ceased to grumble.[Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S)/40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 2nd  February 1940. Fortnightly Report for the Second half of January 1940].

20. There are indications that communal relations in Sukkur have worsened during the few days. The convictions in some of the riot cases and the evidence before the Court of Enquiry have aggravated communal animosity, and the old question is again being asked, wgich community is to blame for the riots? Some leaders are anxious to facilitate a settlement by withdrawing witnesses of both the communities from the enquiry. The Muslims however feel that it would not be in their interest to withdraw at this stage when the Hindu case has been fully represented.[Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 21st June  1940 Fortnightly report for the first half on June 1940].

21. There has been no incident of note during the period under report, but there is no doubt that the feeling engendered by the Manzilgah dispute is still well in evidence. [Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S)/40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 5th  December 1940. Fortnightly Report for the Second half of November 1940].

22. More violent crime against Hindus in the Sukkur District took place during the fortnight. Four dacoits attacked the village of Sumar in the evening of the 5th November, killed one Hindu and injured four others and then decamped with a horse and some money. One of the dacoits however, was apparently injured by a Hindu with the result that the marauders were constrained to travel by train in an endeavour to escape with their wounded comrade. This led to a disclosure of their identity and two of the suspects were apprehended and four guns and 150 rounds of ammunition secured. Investigation are still proceeding. [Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S)/40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 21th  November 1940. Fortnightly Report for the First half of November 1940].

23. There was also an attempt in the upper Sind Frontier District to murder two Hindu. Two Hindus. Two persons were arrested in this connection and a country-made dun and a 20 bore gun were secured from their possession. [Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S)/40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 21th  November 1940. Fortnightly Report for the First half of November 1940].

24. There has been a further outbreak of communal murders in the Sukkur District. The most serious took place in a village named Jahanpur which is – situated in forest near the river INdus and which is mainly inhabited by Hindus. Here in the early morning of the 22nd October a party of 10 to 12 persons entered the village, surprised and overpowered the two armed constables there and having seized their weapons and 20 rounds of ammunition, walked through the main street shooting at any Hindu they saw. Eight Hindu were killed and five were wounded. The two constables managed to secure shot guns from the villagers and exchanged shorts with the riders. They were, however, out-ranged as they could only procure cartridges with small shot and were both wounded. The raiders made good their escape without taking any property. A tracking party followed their footprints along the edge of the forest towards the Bahawalpur State. It is suspected that the culprits are either from the Upper Sind Frontier District or the Bahawalpur State and that they perpetrated the murders as a reprisal for the arrest of the Pir of Bharachundi. The Jahanpur murders were followed by a murderous attack on a Hindu in Kashmore Taluka of the Upper Sind Frontier District on the 23rd October, the murder of a Hindu with hatchets near Khanpur in Sukkur District on the27th October, and the shooting of two Hindus near Mirpur-Mathelo on the 29th October, out of whom one has since died. All possible steps to apprehend the culprits are being taken and two men have been arrested for the assault in the Upper Sind Frontier District.[Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S)/40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 6th  November 1940. Fortnightly Report for the Second half of October 1940].

25.  An organization known as the Khudai Khidmatgar hasbeen formed in Karachi to bring about Hindu- Muslim unity. At Hyderabad a public meeting was held as a Hindu-Muslim unity drive and was attended by two Minister of Government, the Hon’ble Mr.Shaikh Abdul Majid and the Hon’ble Rai Sahib Gokaldas Mewaldas, and also the Speaker of the Assembly, the Hon’ble Sayed Miram Muhammad Shah. It was decided that Unity Boards should be started in all towns and villages with a Central Board at Karachi and that intensive propaganda should be carried on to bring about Hindu-Muslim unity. [Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S)/40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 7th  October 1940. Fortnightly Report for the Second half of September 1940].

26. Reference paragraph 7 of the report for the second half of July further enquire show that 500 Hindu left Larkana district for places outside Sind. Only three families of Hindus consisting of about twenty-four persons left Thar Parker district and migrated to Jouhpur. No migration is reported from Dadu, Nawabshah and Karachi districts. It appears tat most of the persons who left their homes are now returning. [Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S)/40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 3rd  September 1940. Fortnightly Report for the Second half of August 1940].

27.  A Village Volunteer Crops has been formed at a village in Hyderabad district. At a meeting of the Sind Village Workers’. Association  at Hyderabad, Professor N.R. Malkani appealed to the people to promote village industries. He also visited Kandhkot in the Upper Sind Frontier district, where he urged the revival industries and encouragement of village volunteer crops: Street propaganda was carried on in Jacobabad on behalf of the District Village Volunteer Crops, in which the aims and object of the Crops and the significance of “fouji” parades were explained. A speaker suggested that the object of this Crops was to drive away the English as they were mischievous and had caused communal disturbances in Sukkur district, resulting in the loss of life and property to Indians. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 19th March 1940 Fortnightly report for the first half of March 1940].

Part :2

1.Relations continue to be satisfactory. “Prophet” Day was observed in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur, when processions were carried and, speeches on the life of the Prophet were made. In Karachi prominent Hindu leaders also participated in the function. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 3rd May 1941 Fortnightly report for the Second half of April 1941].

2. Communal relations continue to be satisfactory. The speeches delivered at the Sultankot conference led to considerable present in the Hindu Press, notably in the “Sind Observer”, which printed a leading article the nature of which is not justified by the reports so far received of the meeting. [Source Government of Sin. Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 4th June 1941. Fortnightly report for the Second half of May 1941]

SINDH VISITED BY LEADERS AS RECORDED AND NOTED IN GOVERNMENT RECORDS.   (1937 AND ONWARD)

 Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan                                             

Khan Abdul Khan arrived in Karachi on the 22nd August 1937, and left abruptly for Shikarpur  en route to Peshawar on the evening of 23rd in consequence of telegraphic summons received from his brother. A procession of three-thousand volunteers of the Anjuman-e – Afghan Sarhad and Khaksar Corps was ready to escort him, but he preferred to travel by motor car to the local Congress headquarters where he hoisted the Congress Flag In the afternoon, he attended the Karachi Abadgar (Cultivators) Conference, where nineteen resolutions of an agricultural nature were moved. In the evening, he attended a public meeting (attendance eight thousand) where he criticised British Rules as being responsible forcommunal differences. The morning 23rd was largely taken up with interviewing leading local Congress men and others , including Mahomed Hashim Gazdar of the Sind United Party and Sheikh Abdul Majid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Chief Minister. He also addressed about five hundred students of the Dayaram jethmal Sind College, under the Presidentship of  the Principal, when he told them that freedom was not far off if students would preach the lesson of freedom in the villages. He also addressed a meetin of the Anjuman-e Afghan at Kiamari but refused to accept a casket of Rs 150, and then proceeded to the Ladies Industrial Club where he advised Amil ladies to propagate the Congress creed. The last function was a public meeting of about one thousand five hundred persons where he advocated Hindu-Meslem Unity. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 19th May 1937 Fortnightly report for the first half on May 1937].

Khan Abdul Ghafar Khan visited Hyderabad on the 3rd October and made speeches more or less anti-British in tone at the various functions organized by the Congress in honour of his visit. He blamed the British for the British for the attack at Usta on Dr. Choithram P. Gidwani and Mahomed Amin Khoso, for the communal feeling in India and for the dacoities and kidnapping of women and children on the frontier. He remarked that Indians numbered thirty-five crores, yet the British would have had a harder task to perform if thirty-five crores of donkeys instead of human beings had had to be controlled. The Khan left Hyderabad en route to Wardha the same evening. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 17th October 1939 Fortnightly report for the First half of October 1939]. 

Bhulabhai J.Desai, M.L.A.(Central).

Mr. Desai paid a visit to the Province in connection with the above Conference and during his stay of six day he visited Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad. Kotri, Sukkur, Chak, Shikarpur,Jacobabad,Rohri,Lankana, Mohen-jo-daro and Karachi. He was accorded an enthusiastic reception by the congress wherever he went and the Municipalties of Mirpurkhas, Kotri, Shikarpur, Rohri and Lankana presented him with addresses of welcome. He attended a large number of public functions and meetings, including one at the local College, at which the audiences varied from four hundred to two thousand. In his speeches he emphasised the necessity for having one language throughout India and he condemned Communalism and Federation. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 19th May 1937 Fortnightly report for the first half on May 1937].

Mr. Munshi.

Mr. and Mrs. Munshi arrived at Karachi on the 29th December 1937 in connection with the Gujrati Literary Conference. On arrived they were met by the local congress and during their stay here attended several public functions at which the attendance varied from eighty to two thousand. Mr. Munshi was presented with a civic address by the Karachi Municipal Corporation. In the course of his speeches Mr. Munshi stressed the necessity for making Hindi the lingua – franca for India and urged the people of Sind to popularies Hindi in their province and to enter the congress fold. He advocated the formation of a congress ministry in Sind and was confident that such a ministry could be established in the future. [SourceNo. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 19th May 1937 Fortnightly report for the first half on May 1937].

Subhas Chandra Bose.

The fortnight was comparatively quiet except for the visit of Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose, President of the Indian National Congress. He arrived at Karachi by air on the 3rd December and left on the 7th December. During his short stay he toured for 2 days in the interior of Sind. Rousing receptions were accorded to him at all the places, and at Karachi he addressed a large gathering of about 10,000 persons and also received a civic address form the Karachi Municipal Corporation. [SourceNo. P-25-h(s)/38, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 16th December 1938 Fortnightly report for the First half of December 1938].

Vallabhbhai Patel and Mr. Kirpalani.

1. Karachi was the scene of great political activity during the fortnight. The vivit of Mr.Vallabhbhai Patel and Mr. Kirpalani on the 23^rd August, and of Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad of the 26^th August in response to the invitation of the Congress Party caused  great flutter in the Congress circles. A warm reception was accorded to them and several meeting were organised in their honour. The Karachi Municipal Corporation presented an address of welcome to them on the 27^thAugust. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 2nd September 1938 Fortnightly report for the Second half of August 1938].

2. During his stay, Mr. Vallabhbhai Patel had prolonged conversations with the local Congressmen and leaders of all the groups in the Provincial Assembly, including the Chief Minister and the Minister, Public Works Department, over the political situation. Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad also held  discussions with some of the prominent Congressmen and other members of the Assembly, but no final conclusions were reached on the assessment question, and other issues raised by the Congress Party. Before their departure on the 29^th August, Mr. Vallabhbhai Patel and Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad issued a joint statement which has appeared in the press. All eyes are-now turned to Shegaon, where Mr. Vallabhbhai Patel and Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad have gone to consult Mr. Gandhi. The situation remains unchanged, but it is expected that the decision of the All-India Congress Parliamentary Board will clarity it within the next few days. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 2nd September 1938 Fortnightly report for the Second half of August 1938].

Madansingh Malsingh.

Another notable visitor to Sind during the fortnight was Mr. Madansingh Malsingh, an extremist of the Punjab, who was invited to Karachi by the Sikhs in connection with the Akal Bunga disputr, reference to in my letter of the 19^th July. Mr. Madansingh addressed two meetings on the 25^th and 26^th August, urging the Sikhs of Karachi to resist any attempt to make a road through the Akal Bunga and promising them the support of the Sikha of the Punjab. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 2nd September 1938 Fortnightly report for the Second half of August 1938].

Asaf Ali.

Mr. Asaf Ali, M.L.A. (Central) of Delhi, in reply to an address given to him by the Karachi Municipal Corporation, said that the freedom of the country was the most important problem which faced them, and the appealed to his audience to fight for it. In an interview with local journalist, he expressed the view that if England did not concede the demands of India, the Congress knew how to deal with the situation. He added that there were many princes who were willing to become constitutional rulers, but that the British power did not like to lose its hold on India. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 22nd December 1939 Fortnightly report for the First half of December 1939].

Khan Abdul Qayoom.

Khan Abdul Qayoom, M.L.A.(Central), has completed his enquires into the Sukkur riots on behalf of the Congress. It is apprehended that while not prepared to throw the whole blame on the Muslim League, he will join with the local Congress party in condemning Government and its officers. [Source No. P-25-h(s)/37, Home Department (Special), Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 18th January 1940 Fortnightly report for the First half of January 1940].

Dr. Muhammad Ashraf.

Dr. Muhammad Ashraf of the United Provinces visited Karachi and exchanged views with prominent local Congressmen. He emphasized that India had a golden opportunity and that it should not be lost. He praised sociafism and advocated a socialistic system for India and exhorted the Congressmen to take interest in labour movements and organize “kisan sabhas. A Satyagraha Camp was held from the 30^th June to the July at Nawabshah, but created very little enthursiasm among the people the audience was prior Daily parades, flag salutations and spinning were the main feature of the camp. Dr. Popatlal A. Bhoopatkar has been elected President of the Karachi Satyagraha Committee, with Mr. Motiram Assandas as Secretary. A Volunteer Dal has been formed in Mirpurkhas, Thar Parker district. It is open to all castes and its object is to train young men for defending villages. Parades are held every evening.[Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S) 40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 22^nd July1940. Fortnightly Report for the first half of July 1940].

Moulana Abul Kalam Azad

Political attention is at present focussed on Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, the All-India Congress President. He arrived at Karachi on the 11th November and during his stay has met the Hon’ble Ministers, prominent Congressmen and other persons. No tangible results of his visit are yet apparent. [Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S)/40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 21th  November 1940. Fortnightly Report for the First half of November 1940].

Mrs. Rameshwari Nehru.

 Mrs. Rameshwari Nehru and Mr. A.V. Thakur Vice President and Secretary of the All-India Harijan Shevak Sangh, paid a visit to Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad and Karachi. At Mirpurkhas a Harijan Conference was held on the 3rd and 4th October, in which speeches advocating the uplift of Harijans, temperance and removal of untouchability were made. At Hyderabad three public meetings were held. At Karachi a Harijan Conference was held on the 8th and 9th October, attended by about 500 persons mostly caste Hindus. Mrs. Nehru stated that the Government of Sind have not done enough in the cause of Harijan uplift. She suggested that an officer should be appointed by the Government of Sind to work for the social and political uplift of Harijans.[Source Government of Sind Home Department (Special) No. P-25-H(S)/40. Sind Secretariat, Karachi, 19th  October 1940. Fortnightly Report for the First half of October 1940].

Karachi, 15th October 1913

. To,

HIS EXCELLENCY SIR HUGH DOW, K.C.S.I,  C.I.E,  I.C.S,

GOVERNOR OF SIND,

KARACHI.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY,

The humble petition of the Karachi Bar

Association respectfully submitteth for

your Excellency’s consideration, as under:

1.       The Karachi Bar Association is a body which is open to all members of the Bar in the Province of Sind.

2.       It is a term of the license to practise that every member of the Bar practising at Karachi shall be a member of the Karachi Bar Association. This Association is therefore fully representative of the members of the Bar practising at Karachi and is open to every legal practitioner in the Province.

3.       It has come to the notice of the Karachi Bar Association that the present Advocate General of the Province, is going out of office with the expiry of the current month and it is rumoured that your Excellency is appointing Mr. Hassanally Agha (who is at present holding the office of the District and Sessions Judge for the District of Sukkur) as the next Advocate General for the Province.

4.       In this connection the Karachi Bar Association have resolved that a representation be submitted to your Excellency and in con-sequence of that resolution the present representation is being so submitted.

5.       The Office of the Advocate General for any of the Provinces in India was created by Parliament under the Government of India Act of 1858 and the Parliament there provided that each of the three Presidency Towns of Calcutta, Madras and Bombay, shall have an Advocate General whose appointment was to be made by Her Majesty under Her Royal Sign Manual.

6.       Since 1858 until 1st April 1937 when the Government of India Act of 1935 came into operation, there continued to be in existence, the three Advocates General for the three places referred to above. The Advocate General for Bengal at Calcutta was and continued to be the Legal Adviser to the Government of India until 1937.

7.       During all this long period, none but a practicing member of the Bar was ever appointed to the office of the Advocate General.

8.       The Joint Parliamentary Committee appointed by the Parliament to go into the question of Indian Reforms in their report recommended :

“We have been impressed with the desirability of making available to each Provincial Government the services of a Law Officer of independence and standing who would occupy substantially the same position as that of the Advocate General at present attached to the Governments of the three Presidencies of Bengal, Madras and Bombay.”

9.       It may further be noted that the Joint Parliamentary Committee pointed out “that the Advocate General in each Province may take on behalf of His Majesty such proceedings as may be taken by His Majesty’s Attorney General in England.”

10.     When the Parliament in enacting Section 55 of the Government of India Act created the office of Advocate General for each of the Provinces, it accepted the recommendation of the Joint Parliamentary Committee and it may therefore safely be said that the position of the Advocates General in all the Provinces in India was what it had all along since 1858 been in the three Presidency Towns and that it was like that of the Attorney General in England.

11.     The functions which an Advocate General of a Province has to discharge have very close resemblance to those of the important functions which the Attorney General and the Solicitor General in England have to discharge.

12.     Dealing with the question of the functions of the Advocate General it may be submitted for your Excellency’s consideration that the Advocate General does not merely give advice to the Provincial Government upon such legal. matters and perform such other duties of legal character as may from time to time be referred or assigned to him by the Governor of the Province; these are his duties statutorily provided under the Government of India Act, 1935. In addition to those the Advocate General occupies a distinct position as the Leader of the Bar. The Indian Bar Councils Act XXXVIII of 1926 expressly recognizes it and in Section 4 provides that the Advocates General of Bengal, Madras and Bombay shall be the Chairmen Ex-Officio, respectively, of the Bar Councils constituted for the High Courts of Judicature at Fort William in Bengal, Madras and Bombay. Elsewhere he is ex-officio member of the Bar Council and in the case of our Association he is also an ex-officio member of the Managing Committee of the Karachi Bar Association. It may be mentioned that at the date of enactment of the Indian Bar Councils Act, there was no Advocate General at any place in India, other than the three Presidency towns.

13.     The Advocate General as the Leader of the Bar has certain statutory rights under the Indian Bar Councils Act which have an important bearing in relation to the conduct of the members of the profession. The Civil and Criminal Procedure Codes give to the Advocate General certain statutory rights and powers. The Sind Courts Act (Bombay Act VII of 196) also gives to the Advocate General certain statutory powers under Section 13. These are some of the statutory powers which the Advocate General has. In relation to all these and several others, the intention of the Legislature would seem to have been that the Advocate General should be a practising member of the Bar with requisite knowledge and experience.

14.     The Advocate General has to lead and guide the Bar in matters of privileges affecting the profession. He is besides to he a person well versed in Constitutional Law able to assist the Legislative Assembly. Parliament has given him the power to attend all meetings of the Assembly, take part in its debates, and be named as a member of its Committees. In the words of the Joint Parliamentary Committee “he should be a Law Officer of independence and standing” in whose hands the rights and privileges of the legal profession and of the public at large could be safely entrusted.

15.     It is respectfully submitted for your Excellency’s consideration that a Government servant cannot be appointed to the post of the Advocate General. Your petitioners also submit for your Excellency’s consideration that the Parliament has made its intention—in regard to the office of Advocate General very clear in Section 55 of the Constitution Act. That Section enables your Excellency to fix the “remuneration” of the Advocate General, in your individual judgment. The word “remuneration” is not synonymous with salary. The Constitution Act uses the word in contra distinction to “salary” used elsewhere in the Pict itself. The word “remuneration” within the Section will not cover “salary of the Government servant with right to pension. Your petitioners understand that the appointment is intended to be made on the basis of a fixed salary for the new Advocate General with right to pension earned during the term of office. This, it is submitted, would not be legal_ Nor can a Government servant with fixity of tenure be said to hold the office during the pleasure of your Excellency as the Statute provides.

16.     Under the circumstances your Excellency is requested to consider if your Excellency in the exercise of your individual judgment would appoint a salaried servant of the Government to the office of the Advocate General even if such an appointment could be made.

17.     Your Excellency may also be pleased to consider that Mr. Hassanally Agha (who, it is rumoured is being appointed) is not qualified to hold the office of the Advocate General of Sind on account of his standing at the Bar. Mr. Hassanally Agha became entitled to practise in the Court of the Judicial Commissioner of Sind by reason of

the Sanad issued to him on 20th December 1926. He has not had 10 years standing at the Bar which alone, it is submitted, will qualify him for the office of the Advocate General. His tenure of office as a Judicial Officer may or may not have qualified him for the post of a Judge of a High Court but it has not qualified him for the post of the Advocate General. He entered Government service as an Assistant judge in 1931 and ever since he has held office under the Crown in the Judicial Department.

18.     For these reasons, your Excellency is requested to consider this representation before your Excellency makes the appointment in succession to the present Advocate General and to determine if a salaried servant of the Crown call at all be appointed or continued as a salaried servant in the office of Advocate General and even if he can be appointed or so continued, whether your Excellency would create a precedent in so appointing a salaried servant of the Crown to the office of the Advocate General.

19.     Your Excellency is well aware that India has been advised that Constitution grows by conventions.

Under the circumstances your Excellency is requested to consider if in the exercise of your individual judgment, you will deviate from the hitherto well settled and healthy practice of appointing the Advocate General from among the practising members of the Bar ; To appoint a salaried servant of the Crown as Advocate General and while holding that office to continue him as a salaried servant of the Crown, would, in the humble submission of your petitioners, not only be a departure from the healthy practice of very long standing but also contravene the provisions of Section 55 of the Constitution Act.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your Excellency do appoint none but a practising member of the legal profession in the Province to the office of Advocate General for Sind.

I beg to remain,

Your Excellency’s

Most obedient servant,

FATEHCHAND ASSUDOMAL,

President,

Karachi Bar Association.

12. Alhaj Shaikh Abdul Majid Sindhi.

13. Hakim Muhammad Yakub Qadri.

14. Mr. Saeed. A. Haroon.

15. Mr. Daud Haji Yusuf.

16. Mr, Inayatullah Mughal.

17. Mr. Abdul  Karim Ghugho.

18. Mr. Haji Pir Muhammad.

19. Mr. Muhammad Sidiq Memon.

20. Mr. Muhammad Juman Halo.

21. Mr. Suhrab Khan Gabole.

22. Mr. Taj Muhammad Mangsi.

23. Mr. Ali A h m a d Manion.

24. Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Gabole.

25. Mr. Bashir Ahmad Mughal.

26. Maulvi Mian Shah Mahmud.

27. Maulvi Mian Zahural Hasan Dars.

28. Sayed Mian Abdullah Shah.

29. Mr. G. M. Zavavi.

30. Mr.Juma    Nur  Muhammad Memon.

31. Mr. Rajab Ali Hirji Khoja.

32. Doctor Haji Ghulam Hussain Kasim.

33. Maulvi Mian Muhammad Usman Baloch.

34. Doctor A. R. Khan.

35. Doctor Nur Hussain Ansari.

36. Haji Shafi Muhammad Memon.

37. Mr. AyazQadri, B.A.,LL.B.

38. Haji Mian Muhammad Hassan Lassi.

39. Mr.            Fida     Hussain Bohra.

40. Mr.Muhammad Yusuf Samo.

41. Mr.            Muhammad Hussain Lassi.

The research assignment for Ph.D degree provided me an opportunity to study past, present and future of Karachi. The study helped me to form my opinion about the future of Karachi. Soon after completing my research task, I started sharing with Sindhis, my fears and doubts about the future of Karachi, with special reference to their interests in Future Karachi. In my articles and Newspaper Columns, published in 1981 and onward, I warned Sindhis that apart from its geographical location, being Hot Waters of Sindh, and because of so many other reasons, it must be believed that Supper Powers will not underestimate and ignore the importance of the City and they will at any cost try to ensure their future interests in the region through Karachi.

It is amazing fact of the History of Sindh that invaders coming from North left Sindh unaffected, but who so ever came from South, badly affected every thing including Culture, Politics and even Religion of Sindh.After Arabs and Britishers, massive migration of Panhgeers of India took place sporadically and that was third time in the history that Sindh was to be affected badly. Some of people are of opinion that Liaquat Ali Khan intended to ensure his constituency, therefore he encouraged so many Mohajirs to opt for Karachi. Either it is right or wrong, we are not here to find the truth behind this stand let here put on record that, Lahore also remained under consideration for making the capital of newly created country also, but the decision was taken for Karachi.

One can identify ethnic,sectarian and terroristic factors behind conflicts but, the role of MQM, what so ever it is,can not be ignored at all.It seems to be amazing fact that they were found in streets in months of June and July in most of years!. It also helped Karachi to make its habit/ fortune of taking blood bath in month of June and July.Here are some event:

7th of July 1972

Sindhi is made the official language of Sindh.Sindh Assembly passes the bill.Pro-Urdu demonstrations held, curfew in some Karachi areas.

9th of July 1972

Two persons are killed in Karachi in agitaion. Army called out. curfew in Hyderabad.

3rd of July 1993

The law-enforcing agencis round up 175 activists of MQM after protesters set ablaze 15 vehicles in various parts of Karachi.

14th of July 1993

Law-enforcing agencies arrest 150 MQM workers after they set on fire 11 vehicles, a KESC building and a post office.

3rd of June 1995

Eight people are killed and 25 vehicles are set ablaze in various parts of Karachi.

4th of June 1995

Twenty people are killed and ower two dozen vehicles set ablaze in continuing violence in Karachi.

15th of June 1993

Ten people are shot dead in a crowded government office in Liaquatabad, Karachi.

23rd of June 1995

Twenty four people are Killed and several wounded.

24th of June 1993

Twenty people are killed and many others wounded.

25th of June 1995

At least 32 people die and many others wounded.

26th of JUNE 1995

fourteen more people are killed in Karachi.

28th of June 1995

Eleven people are killed in Karachi.

1st of July 1995

Ninteen people are killed and more than 25 are wounded in clshes and pitched gun-battles between armed youths and members of the law-enforcement agencies in Karachi.

2nd of July 1995

Eight people are killed as paramilitary troops fight pitched battles with MQM militants.

5th of July 1995

10 more people fall victim to violence in Karachi.

19th of July 1995

Twenty six people fall victim to terrorism and gun-batle between MQM workers and law-enforcers in Karachi.

29th of July 1995

Thirteen people are killed in Karachi.

SIR SHAHNAWAZ BHUTTO ON KARACHI

Dr. Dur Muhammad Pathan.

Sindh minus Karachi, is like Body without Soul. I did Ph.D in 1979 on the Contribution of Karachi and had indicated that in future, some quarters will try to snatch Karachi. Major mistakes were committed by Sindh politicians. They remained silent when Karachi was being converted into ‘One-sided Constituency.’

Accepting migrants was act of Pakistan-loving, but settlement of them in one city was not fair-play, on the contrary with malfeasance intension two separate two important cultures were deprived of right to amalgamate into each other. It paved way to an ugly situation that today some people have started  demanding creation of Karachi as a Province and as have tried to coin a new term for Sindhis as ‘Red Sindhians’ in history. Un-conditional and based on purely humanitarian grounds, the unique hospitality of Sindh and Sindhis must not pay them back in disintegration and division of Sindh. Majority of people from old and new Sindhis will never vote for that division knowing the fact that some politicians are bent upon ‘divide & rule’. People has sustained great loss because of ‘division of hearts’ by politicians and now nobody can afford ‘conflict of cultures’ and selection of Sindh as its fire-place. Some people are dodging themselves and others by saying that in spite of raising slogan ‘We will die, rather to surrender Sindh’, Hosho Shedi and Sindhi lost battle resulting fall of Sindh. People having no knowledge of Sindh history can blame Sindhis, but the real fact is that imposing of war by Charles Napier on Sindhis was a historical fraud. British army, returning back from Afghanistan with shame and defeat, usurp Sindh without declaring war. Napier, informed his Government about this ugly act in one sentence, and it was “I HAVE SINNED”. It is on record and it is history. Today, Sindhi will not anybody to ‘sin’ again and fight of Sindhis will be unique nature this time if it is imposed upon them with aim to divide Sindh.

It is also baselessly blamed that Karachi never belonged to Sindh. No doubt, illiterate can think in such a way. Otherwise, Sindhis have been singing songs of Moririo (Fisher man) and Mangar Machh (Shark). It is very much there in Sindhi classical literature since centuries.

Since the creation of Pakistan, the status and issue of Karachi has been mishandled with intention to teach Sindhis a lesson. In spite of tough time, Sindhi have been accepting every challenge relating to Karachi problem. In 1954, ‘Karachi Status Committee’ was formed by the Government to prepare comprehensive report on the subject. ‘The Karachi Joint Sindhi Committee’ submitted its Memorandum to that Committee and it is worth to read. Whole of document is not necessary to reproduce here, but it is very important to quote a few lines from it to prove the attachment of Sindhis with the subject. In 1954, it was not the matter of making Karachi as a province, but the separation of its area known as Federal Area. I quote :”  All considerations, legal and constitutional, military and administrative, financial and economic, moral and political, social and commercial ,and geographical and historical, demanded that Karachi which was and is the capital of the province should not be separated from Sindh…….The only perhaps was, to create one more unit and to convert Karachi into a colony of new settlers from Bharat, to the eternal detriment of the old and loyal inhabitants….”

Sindhis have been advocating the importance of Karachi since long. In 1919, Shahnawaz Bhutto suggested British Government to make Karachi as permanent capital of India. The story is recorded in the pages of history as follow: “ The Hon. Khansahib Shahnawaz Bhutto,O.B.E., Additional Member of the Governor-General’s council, speaking in Council on the question of locating the Government of India at one permanent centre, said;- If I may be allowed to make a suggestion in this matter, it is this. To my mind there is no part of India so conveniently situated for the location of the Government of India as the permanent centre as Karachi I need hardly say. Sir, that from geographical, climatic, industrial, and what is more, from a strategic point of view the city of Karachi stands second to none should the Government of India decide to remain in one place. The city of Karachi is capable of considerable expansion. It is pregnant with immense possibilities in the future. The Council is perhaps aware that it is proposed that the main station of the Baghdad Railway should be established at Karachi. It is also proposed to establish the main station for the World Air Route at Karachi. It is also very close to Aden, the gateway to India. The officials in Karachi, Sir, feel no necessity to move to hill station in the summer, as the climate is temperate and salubrious and as such there will be no need for the Government of India if its headquarters are located at Karachi, to seek another summer headquarters. I therefore hope that the Government and this Council will not in deciding the matter overlook the case of Karachi”.

So, my dear all ! Sindhis have dream about Karachi, they know the importance of Karachi. Please, do not disturb their dream, otherwise, most of us will be disturbed forever.

                  MOULANA DIN MUHAMMAD WAFAI WRITE ON KARACHI ISSUE

            [Moulana Din Muhammad Wafai was one of first rank Freedom Fighter of Sindh. He was Religious Scholar, Poet, Journalist, Research Scholar and active leader of Sindh Khilafat Committee ans Sindh Jamiat –ul- Ulema. He wrote so many editorials on burning issues of Sindh. In 1948, when he was editor of “Toheed”, he dwelt with“Karachi Issue” and wrote more than two editorial on the subject. The editorial published in his Toheed’s issue of January-February 1948 is translated, reproduced and share with Sindhi Youth & Leaders. It is eye – opener one.Dr. Dur Muhammad Pathan]

“We have been opposing the idea of the partition of united India since long, but have been suggesting atonomious status for provinces and equal representation of Muslims in united India. We were not listened, even were blamed as agents of Hindus and we were abused. Now Pakistan stand created  as desired and required by our Upper class .

Karachi has been made the capital of the new country and Sindh is under invasion of Indian deserters. Beautiful city , modern buildings, wonderful sea beach have attracted these Panahgeers and Punjabis and they have started planting in their minds and hearts, how to usurp  Karachi without fail, and throw Sindhis out of it.

The Pakistan Government, after making Karachi as the permanent capital will snatch it from Sindh and our Upper class has to witness this day, but can do anything to save Karachi. Some people doubt it and are saying that it is not agenda of the Government. I am sure and will invite their attention to the decision – making strategy of the Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Once he takes decision, it will not be taken back. It is proper time that Sindh should declare it independence. Otherwise it is and will be more difficult to cry and work for our rights as the Muslim League leadership will neither allow it, nor like it. No body will take risk to oppose the decision taken by Qaid –i- Azam,who is being treated by so many people as the solo head, king of kings.

Punjab never allowed Muslim League and its leadership to influence them and to interfere in their political freedom. Quaid –i- Azam avoided to visit Punjab during Governments of Sir Sikandar Hayat and Khizir Hayat Khan. The resignation of Khizir Hayatwas followed by violence in Punjab and that paved way for Muslim League to install its Government in Punjab. Why Sindh and Sindhis are not taking lesson from others?. Still we have many cards in our hands. We must opt for formation of a political party of Sindhis, by Sindhis and for Sindhis so as to face andchallege conspiracies being hatched against us by other parties.

Now it is tough timefor our Upper class. This class worked for creation of Pakistan and now let us see , either they are going to save Karachi, or will surrender to save their skin?

SINDH SCENARIO AND SITUATION IN KARACHI IN JULY 1947

By Dr Dur MuhammadPathan

Historical research has remained very interesting subject for our scholars but, most of them have not touched important sources to support their hypothesis. Newspaper is primary source, but, none of our Learned bodies have even compiled the comprehensive list of Newspapers,Periodicals, Journals and their editors. But you can find it on Gul Hayat website.Likewise,Governments Reports are also valuable source material on the historical research and it has not utilized to much extent. These reports and official correspondence had two objectives: When they were prepared and published for the public, the main aim was to misguide people and degrade our ideals. When they were made secret and for the official use, the true picture was dipcted properly. Let us have look at secret reporting by the then Chief Secretary of Sindh on the subject.

On 19^th of July 1947, A.P.LeMesurier, Chief Secretary to Government of Sindh is sending report to the Secretary Home Department, Government of India, in which he offers his comments on the Sindh scenario with special reference to making Karachi as the capital of Pakistan.He writes:

“ It must be realized that the Sindh Government is being severely handicapped. The Provincial Government is incurring a great deal of odium on account of the measures, which it has had to take in its name on behalf of Pakistan. More ever it is already clear that certain individuals are preparing to take advantage of this opportunity. There are already signs of a revival of slogan ‘Sindh for Sindhis’. Otherwise, there is little tendency to regard Pakistan as other than fait accompli. In fact, there are even indications that the Hindu community, ‘if encouraged’, will make best of it”.

On 29^th of July 1947, the Sindh Governor writes to the Viceroy of India, Mountbatten that “One result of the arrival of refugees from other provinces in Karachi and also of the expected arrival of Muslim officials from Delhi has been a great intensification of the anti-non Sindhi feeling. This feeling is sedulosly propagated by Muslim enemies of the Ministry such as G.M.Syed and, of course by the Congress press”.

Labour Unions in Sindh (1947-1955)

SOURCE-MATERIAL ON THE MURDER OF

BHAGAT KANWAR RAM

 Collectet,researched and compiled by;

Dr.Dur Muhammad Pathan.

                   Since the assassination of Bhagat Kanwar Ram, very important books have been written and compiled. However, serious research  effort is yet to be done in this regards .Such as not any book contains reference to FIR, official correspondence and press reaction in details. I am sharing here-with some material and information so as to add something in Source-Material and to enable Researchers to compile more comprehensive story of a great tragedy that took place in the land of love and peace

                 In the last decade of the British rule in Sindh, Sindhis – Hindus and Muslims – opted for division of hearts and minds for pleasing their political pandits .They proved themselves un-capable of solving and resolving their problems and invited other political and religious parties of All-India level to indulge in Sindh affairs. Most of those parties earned their name and fame on the cost of Sindh and Sindhis. The political philosophy of Muslim League was based on religion. Whereas, Congress was claiming nationalism as spirit of its political ideology. In Sindh, Khilafat Tahrik had already introduced ‘religious-oriented’ politics in the Muslim segment of the society. Muslim League availed this opportunity and tried to cash this bent of mind of Muslims. It is only way for Sindhi Muslim League leadership to make their party more popular in Muslims of Sindh. Hence, stage was set during ‘Sindh Provincial Muslim League Conference-1938’ to make issue out of Manzilgah problem. Soon after that conference, Masjid Manzilgah restoration Committee was formed and agitation was started with exploitation of religious sentiments. Seth Haji Abdullah Haroon, G.M.Syed ; Muhammad Ayub Khuhro and Pir Ali Muhammad Shah Rashidi played their leading role in that movement launched in the name of restoration of Masjid Manzilgah. Soomro’s Government initiated dialogue with Muslim League leaders for the resolution of the issue, but, “ It was only after opposition  from Mr. G.M.Syed, MLA, that the Restoration Committee on the 5^thNovember 1939, decided to accept with certain modifications the proposal of Government. Mr. G.M.Syed, continued to criticized the Sindh Government and was alleged to have said that the Muslims on no account surrender the Mosque to non-Muslims and if force was used against them,  the injuctions of Islam TO TRAT OTHERS AS THEY TREAY YOU would be observed, Government being held responsible for any disturbances which might occur”. In real leaders of agitation intended to divide Sindh ideologically on religious lines so as so as Sindh Muslims own the political philosophy of Muslim League.

                   When Sindh stood divided politically and religiously, ugly events stated taking place. Assassination of Bhaghat Kanwar Ram was one of them. Government of Sindh, vide its Confidential Memo No.P-25-H(S)/39, dated 22^nd of November, 1939, informs Home Department of the Government of India about the murder of Bhagat Kanwar Ram. It reads: “ An event of first rate importance which sent a thrill of horror throughout the province occurred during the fortnight under report. On the night of the 1^st November a well-known Hindu singer and preacher was shot and killed in a railway carriage at Ruk Station while the train was moving out. One of his followers was also injured. The victim, Bhagat Kanwar Ram by name, was immediately sent to Sukkur but expired when the train reached Bagerji.The perpetrator of the crime escaped, but it is known that he was armed Muslim, who fired at the Bhagat at point blank range wounding him fatally. This wanton and cold-blooded murder has deeply shocked the Hindus, specially those of Upper Sindh, who held him in high esteem. Whether or not this dastardly crime has any communal significance is not at present known, but it is not so long ago that the son of the Pir of Bharchundi was assaulted in Sukkur Bazar by Hindus for carrying on proselytizing propaganda, and shortly after there was a rumour that the Muslims had, as a reprisal, murdered this same Bhagat Kanwar Ram at Rauti in Ubauro Taluka”.

                    BODY TAKEN IN A PROCESSION: “The dead body of Bhagat Kanwar Ram was taken in a procession at Sukkur. The District Magistrate laid down the route by which it should proceed but in spite of his orders it was taken through a locality he had particularly wished to avoid, as it was inhabited by the  Muslim element. It was with great difficulty bthat the procession was shephereded to the place origionally fixed for its termination. In spite of the District Magistrate’s orders the procession also went past the Manzilgah which was still occupied by Muslims. By this time the crowed had swelled to 10,000 and at one time during the melee the dead body nearly dropped out of its bier. Hindus claimed this as a triumph and with loud acelamations rushed the body towards the Manzilgah. The leaders of the procession had vanished by this time  and none or less rebellious crowd shouted slogans and vociferously claimed a victory. However, the occupants of the Manzilgah remained quite.” (Sindh Government’s Report).                     

                    REACTION:  A spontaneous hartal was observed by the Hindus throughout the whole of Sindh on the 3^rd November. Speaking on this subject at a meeting at Jacobabad, on the 3^rd of November, attended by 4 Muslims and 600 Hindus, Mr. Amin Khoso, MLA, alleged that the murder of Kanwar Bhagat, like all other troubles, had been engineered by some secret Government agent in order to bring the two communities into conflict. Communal feelings raised by the murder continue to be given yent to from the Hindu platform and press; but prominent Muslim leaders have also deplored the crime. Hartals and processions followed by largely attended meetings were held at Sukkur and Hyderababad on the 2^nd November and at Karachi on 3^rd November. At Karachi an Arya Samaj volunteers clothed in black and carrying a spear and pick-axe led the procession. One speaker said that the murder of Bhagat Kanwar Ram was a challenge to the Hindus who should organize themselves to oppose the anti-Hindu element and to support  the Arya Vir Dal with men and money. The Assembly Members were referred to as Patharidars and heads of gundaism. The Speakers at Sukkur delivered bitter harangues and stongly condemned the Sindh Ministry for its impotency alleging indirectly that the Ministry was to be blamed for the murder. One exited speaker remarked that the only way to put a stop to such murders was to end Islam.

                      At Larkana a meeting was held on 8^th November where the Hindus condemned the Ruk murder and expressed acute disappointment at the so-called weakness of the Sindh Government. The Hindu General Panchayat of Sukkur resolved to send an All-Sindh Hindu Deputation to wait on His Excellency, who, whoever, advised them to seek an interview with Premier in the first instance. Rohri Panchayat  has stopped Hindus from purchasing fish and meat for a whole month in order to urge Government to unearth the conspiracy responsible for the Ruk murder. Public suspicion regarding the murder rests on the Pir of  Bharchundi or some of his followers.Hindus all over the province are passing resolutions demanding the grant of arms licences  more freely and requesting the authorities to re-attach Sindh to Bombay and thus safeguard Hindu life and property. (Source: Ibid).

                            PRESS REACTION:  The murder of Bhagat Kanwar Ram received prominence in press for so many days. The event was given editorial and first page importance by the Hindu press. The ‘Sindh Observer’ and ‘sansar Samachar’ alleged openly that the murder was commited by the followers of the Pir of Bharchundi. The later newspaper remarked that the Bhagat Kanwar Ram was a sacrifice to the policy og Government regarding the Sukkur Manzilgah. The ‘Al-Wahid’ said the it was unfortunate that the murder of Bhagat Kanwar Ram is widely commented on in a communal strain, although the deceased himself was sufi, and as such entirely free from communal sympathies, while his death is deplored by all communities. The incident, regrettable as it is, is  unfortunately invoked to make communal capital . Other Newspapers those gave full coverage and comments on the murder were The ‘Congress’, The ‘Karachi Daily’, The ‘Hindu’, and The ‘Qurbani’, etc.

                        Sindh Observer, in its issue of 3^rd November 1939, offers its comments as follow: “ Kanwar Bhagat Ram’s Murder – A Singer, Saint and Sufi – A simple man with Divine Mission – Why he was killed?”. The paper writes: ‘ Several rumours are in circulation as to the cause of this murder. That he was murdered by design and not by accident goes without saying. Who conceived this murder and who executed it? It is the mystery that must immediately be solved not only for the sake of the reputation of the Sindh Government, but also for the sake of the peace of this Province. Though, Kanwar Bhagat died a martyr, the long arm of the law should immediately reach the perpetrators of the heinous crime. It is recalled in this connection that there was some trouble at Sukkur some weeks ago between a certain section of Hindus and Muslims on account of an alleged  assault on the son of an influential Pir, well-known in Sukkur district. It was alleged that some Hindus committed the assault though it was not for serious nature. The Pir’s followers were incensed, advanced on Sukkur, and decided to take the law into their hands. The action of the District Magistrate, the visit of the Premier of Sindh to Sukkur to calm down passions, the willingness of the Hindu leaders of Sukkur to apologize to the Pir for an assault said to have been committed by an unknown person or persons brought down the tension and settled the matter.

             But it is said that some of the bolder and reckless spirits among the followers of the Pir were not satisfied with the apology of the Hindus and wowed that ‘these Kaffirs should be taught a lesson for daring to assault the Pir’s son. It was feared that they marked out Kanwar Baghat  for murder and that some policemen had to be sent to his village to guard his life. As any stranger appearing in his village would be easily detected and traced. These conspirators chose the occasion of his return from Manjhand for this unspeakable crime.

             Here are some clues for tracing culprits. The police of Sukkur and the District Magistrate ought to be in possession of more reliable information as they knew the LIFE OF THE Bhagat was in danger at one time. How for the Manzilgah agitation has contributed in this murder is also a subject worth investigation. The followers of the same Pir are in illegal possession of the same Manzilgah from which they have not yet been ejected. The Pir was scheduled to say prayer with his followers today in the Manzilgah. The Hindus of Sukkur are in great ferment on account of this murder. It requires all the ingenuity of the District Magistrate of Sukkur to keep the peace and prevent the development of many untoward events. This is opinion in Karachi.”

                     CONGRESS REACTION: Mr. C.T.Valecha, MLA, President of Sukkur Congress Committee, sent telegram to Dr. Choithram P. Gidwani, MLA and Vice-President of the Sindh Provincial Congress Committee inviting him to visit Sukkur to understand the situation after the murder of Bhagat Kanwar Ram and see what could be done. Dr. Choitram alongwith Prof. Ghanshyam Jethanand, leader of Sindh Assembly Congress Party, visited Sukkur and after holding talks with Hindu leaders and the Magistrate, issued statement that was published in The ‘Sindh Observer’, in its issue of 10^th November 1939. The statement is based on the same hypothesis doubting crime committed by followers of the Pir of Bharchundi. Important passages are produced for adding more to readers’ knowledge:

                         “ An special armed guard was statined at the house of Bhagat Kanwar Ram and a licence for gun was immediately issued in his name. The apprehension about his life was so genuine that from that time to the day of his murder, the Bhagat was always accompanied in his travels by two private guards armed with guns.

                           It is clear that the murder of Bhagat Kanwar Ram was deliberate and premeditated. In our opinion the authorities should have gone deeper into the matter when reports about danger to Bhagat’s life were made to them and should have taken action against any person or persons from whom there was apprehension of murder, irrespective of his or their position. We are further of opinion that the police at the Ruk Station at the time of murder utterly failed in their duty in pursuing the culprits.”

                          PIR IS ARRESTED: Pir of Bhachoondi was arrested at Sukkur on the 8^th of October, 1940, under the Bombay Regulation XXV of 1827 and was brought the same day to Karachi. His son disappeared in Bahawalpur State The Government intended to arrest him also.

His arrest occupied a prominent place in all the newspapers. The ‘Hindu’ remarks that the action of the Government was opportune, proper and justified, as the Pir had hand in all the murders which were committed in the Rohri Division. The ‘Sansar Samachar’ congratulates the Government  upon the step. The ‘Qurbani’ is not satisfied with the arrest under the Regulation of 1827 and suggests  that the Pir should be tried and awarded a heavy sentence. The ‘Shikarpur Gazette’ remarks that  although the arrest  is belated it has given considerable satisfaction to the oppressed Hindus and has infused a new life into them. The ‘Hayat’ states that the Pir has been arrested to please the Hindus and will be set free when Government wish to please the Muslims.The paper suggested that he should be tried in an open court. The ‘Bab-ul-Islam’ and ‘Paigham-Sulh’ also write in the same strain. The ‘Al-Wahid’ however, remarks that the internment of  the Pir of Bhachoondi  would be futile so long as there is no change of heart among the Hindus and Muslims.  The Hindu press commented at length over the murders which were committed in the Rohri Sub-Division duiring last fortnight. 

 On 5^th November four dacoits attacked the village of Sumar, killed one Hindu and injured four others. events of same nature took place in the length and breadth of  Sukkur District. Rumours were current in Karachi that large scale trouble involving raids from Baluchistan and Bahawalpur by the followers of the Pir of Bharchoondi were to be concerted during the Ramzan  Eid gathering and the District Magistrates of Sukkur, Larkano, and upper Sindh Frontier were warned to keep a close watch on the situation and take the maximum precautions. The Eid, however, passed off peacefully.

The Report/Letter of  6^th of November, 1940  by the Governor of Sindh to the Viceroy of India to apprise him of the Sindh situation, also includes this subject. It throws light on un-told aspects of the story. He writes: “ The actual arrest was easily effected, but we have not succeeded yet in capturing his son, who is really the more active agent for evil. The trouble is that not only is the country extremely difficult, but escape is easy into Bahawalpur and also on the south-east towards Rajputana. We have been told at different times that  his son has been in hiding in Jaipur and Jaisalmir, but we have no confirmation of that. The Bahawalpur authorities had no desire to shelter either Pir or his son and in fact they have expressed themselves as ready to co-operate.

The Muslim League under the guidance of Sir Abdullah Haroon and Pir Ali Muhammad Shah Rashdi  first took up the line that there was no case of any sort against the Pir and he should not have been arrested. As, however, the series of murders on very much the same pattern continued after the arrest and it becomes increasingly evident that these were being  carried out by the adherents of the Pir, the authorities of the Muslim League found themselves some what embarrassed. So also did two of my Ministers, namely the Chief Minister (Mir Bandah Ali)  and G,M.Syed, who had shown themselves unduly sympathetic towards the Pir of Bharchoondi and had tried to get me to take into consideration a proposal that he should be released from jail but required to live in a house in Karachi. I told them very frankly that until I had got the Pir’s son in jail and until I was satisfied that we had got on top of this trouble, I would not give any consideration to any proposal for releasing Pir from his present custody. Three of my Ministers went to visit the Pir in jail and first I heard of it was after the visit had taken place:; but  I do not think I could have taken objection to their paying a visit, because it was easy for them to say that they were anxious to induce the Pir to realize the folly and wickedness of his ways and exercise his undoubtedly vide influence for the restoration of peace. Mr.G.M.Syed, however, has created a very bad impression among the Hindus by his action in taking to the jail a present of fruit and sweets for the Pir.

The next move came three or four days ago from Sir Abdullah Haroon, who now appears to have reached the conclusion that the Pir and his son and their followers are responsible for these outrages on Hindus and moreover that if these outrage continue it would be difficult for the Muslim League Ministry to servive. He was allowed  two interviews  with the Pir and claimed to be convinced that the Pir was prepared to co-operate in stopping the murders. My Ministers agreed with him and we got as far as bringing down to Karachi one of Pir’s Khalifas  who was under preventive arrest under the Sindh Frontier Regulation.  The idea underlying this plan of the Muslim League was that Pir should give an autographed letter to each of three of his Khalifas at present under detention and that Sir Haji Abdullah Haroon himself should proceed to Sukkur and offer security to the District Magistrate, Sukkur, for the good behaviour of these three persons if released. On release, these persons were to proceed to three centers,(1) the Pir’s own home, (2) in the Jacobabad District and (3) in Baluchistan, and convey the message of the Pir contained in the autographed letter that the murders were to cease. One of the Khalifas was produced here yesterday, but the arrangement broke down because Sir Haji Abdullah Haroon announced that he was unable to leave Karachi for Sukkur owing to his agitation over an incident in a mosque which had taken place the night before. He subsequently sent a second letter giving further reasons  why he was unable to leave Karachi, to effect that only one of the Pir’s Khalifas had been brought down and that he would not be sufficient  for  that purpose. Actually, it is pretty clear that he decided that he cannot carry on the terms of his offer and that he does not wish to be in any way responsible……………(The letter is lengthy, hence three paragraphs are left because of their less importance)………

That is all that I can say at present. I have it in mind if any further trouble occurs, to convey a message to Pir of Bharchoondi that he is running the risk of being transferred to the Andmans or some equally unpleasant place. I trust that there may be no need to make any such proposal to you and I am having that law on the subject examined.”