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Category: POLITICAL PARTIES

  • سنڌ هاري ڪميٽي تاريخ ۽ جدوجهد (1930ع 1970ع) عاشق حسين سولنگي 2007

    سنڌ هاري ڪميٽي تاريخ ۽ جدوجهد (1930ع 1970ع) عاشق حسين سولنگي 2007

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  • هاري -انقلاب-حيدر بخش جتوئي-1985

    هاري -انقلاب-حيدر بخش جتوئي-1985

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  • مسلم ليگ جي مخالفت ڇو-جي-ايم-سيد-1956

    مسلم ليگ جي مخالفت ڇو-جي-ايم-سيد-1956

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  • سنڌ جي بمبئي کان آزادي-جي ايم سيد-1989

    سنڌ جي بمبئي کان آزادي-جي ايم سيد-1989

     

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  • سنڌ متحده محاذ ۽ ون يونٽ جي ايم سيد 1987

    سنڌ متحده محاذ ۽ ون يونٽ جي ايم سيد 1987

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  • MUSLIM LEAGUE

    MUSLIM LEAGUE

    The outstanding political event of the fortnight was the observation of Pakistan Day which was celebrated at Karachi and Hyderabad on 19th April and at Sukkur on 20th April. At Karachi the Sind Provincial Muslim League convened a public meeting presided over by Haji Sir Abdullah Haroon. M. L. A. (Central), where the Pakistan resolution, adopted by the All-India Muslim League Conference at Lahore, was reaffirmed. Speeches strongly anti-Congress in tone favoring the Pakistan scheme and condemning its critics was made. At Hyderabad two small meetings were held at the Juma Mosque where in addition to the resolutions adopted at Karachi, resolutions were passed condemning the system of joint electorate (which are expected to hamper Muslim development in general and the Pakistan scheme in particular) and criticizing the present Ministry for accepting the demands of the Hindus in this and other matter. At Sukkur a procession was taken out and ended in a meeting at which besides the Pakistan resolution, resolution were adopted sympathizing with Dr. Muhammad Yamin on his conviction under Section 153-A, Indian Penal Code, and appealing to the Ministry to withdrawal all cases against the members and workers of the Sukkur Manzilgah Restoration Committee. The Sirat Committee of the Anjuman-i-Manzilgah Restoration Committee. The Sirat Committee of the Anjuman-i-Manzilgah Punjab on 21st April organized a public meeting in Karachi preceded by a Mamoth procession, which was attended by ten to twelve thousand Muslims, including a number of Khaskars. Haji Sir Abdullah Haroon presided, and speeches were made on the life of the Prophet and favoring the Pakistan scheme.

    It is understood the Sind Provincial Muslim League have organized an effective program to create political awakening among the Muslim masses, in order to secure the return of Muslim League candidates at the next Assembly Local Board and Municipal elections. The working Committee of the Provincial Muslim League considered the fundamental demands of the League. Vis-à-vis the Ministry (vide paragraph 6 below). It was urged that in respect of all important matters of policy the Muslim League Ministers should abide by the decision of the Provincial Muslim League Parliamentary Committee, and that they should deposit their resignations in writing with the Provincial League, Which may utilize them whenever it finds that their continuance in office is detrimental to the Muslim community. Other demands considered were that the operation of the Sind Frontier Regulations in the Frontier districts of Larkana, Karachi and Jacobabad be stopped immediately, and that a Muslim Parliamentary Secretary should be allotted to the Revenue Minsiter ( who is a Hindu) and afforded opportunity to acquaint himself with the proceedings of that department. All these demands were however, rejected by the Ministers and are not binding on them, the Minister holding that the Ministry is neither a League cabinet nor a coalition League cabinet.

    [No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, 6th May 1940.]

     

    The principal event of political interest during the period under review was the visit to Sind of Mr. A. Jinnah President of All-India Muslim League. Mr. Jinnah arrived at Karachi on the 14th December 1940  and was met by a number of prominent persons and accorded a reception by a large crowd. During his stay he attended a number of private and public meetings at which the audiences varied from a hundred to five thousand persons. His speeches mainly centered on the necessity for discipline under the banner of the Muslim League, the “Pakistan Scheme” and criticism of the Congress and the Hindu Sabha. The “Pakistan Scheme”, he averred was the only method of attaining Hindu Muslim unity. On the 19thDecember 1940, he was presented with a civic address by the Karachi Municipal Corporation before a gathering of about two thousand people and on the 22nd idem the Halai Memon Jamait and the Halai Memon Merchants from Kathia war gave him an address before an audience of about a hundred persons.
    [No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1940, 4th January 1941.]

     

    The Muslim League is rejoicing over the decision of the Honorable Mr. Justice Weston regarding the Manzilgah buildings. It takes the credits of leading a successful agitation for the return of the Manzilgah to the Muslims.

    [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the first half of February 1941, 18th February 1941.]

    Concerning the Congress there is nothing of interest to report. The Sind Muslim League intends to hold a conference at Hyderabad in September 1941, and it is proposed to ask the Honorable Sir Sikandar Hyat Khan to preside. The League received the Government decision to ban the conference at Sakrand in the Nawabshah district with some resentment and Mr. M. A. Jinnah sent a wire to His Excellency the Governor asking for his intervention. In view of the large number of cholera cases in the neighboring districts of Larkana, Dadu, and Sukkur and of the fact that cases were occurring in the Nawabshah district itself, it would have been most inadvisable to allow the conference to be held. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, 19th July, 1941.]

    The Muslim League held a few meetings. In one a resolution was passed asking the Muslim members of the Sind legislative Assembly to pass a vote of no-confidence against the Government for banning the Sakrand Conference. The League intends to call a conference at Sann in the Dadu District on the 27th instant. The City Muslim League, Karachi, has decided to concentrate on ventilating the grievances of the Muslim employees in Government services and exploring methods of employment for Muslims. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of July 1941, 5th August, 1941.]  

    The City Muslim League, Karachi, held a meeting in which full confidence in the leadership of Mr. Jinnah and dissatisfaction at the exclusion of the Muslim League representatives in the Viceroy’s Executive Council were expressed. Mr. Shaikh Abdul Majid, M.L.A., ex-Minister, and General Secretary of the Sind Provincial Muslim League, In a statement to the press observed that the policy of the Muslim League is neither anti-war nor anti-non-violence. The League’s Policy is pro-war and it is prepared to co-operate with the British Government on certain conditions. Although these conditions had not been fulfilled, the Muslim League had not resorted to non-co-operation.
    [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1941, 20th August, 1941.]      

    The Muslim League is inactive There are however, signs of movement among the Khaksars. Moulvi Khair Muhammad Suleman Nizami, Manager, Aftab Press, Hyderabad, has printed a number of applications addressed to the Honorable Premiere stating that Allama Mashriqi is the accredited leader of the Muslims and the best friend of the British Government and requesting the Honorable Premiere to intercede for the release of the Allama. These applications are to be signed by all Khaksars. Moulvi Khair Muhammad Suleman Nizami has also initiated a new movement ostensibly for Muslim unity based on a pledge to recognize the Allama as the leader of the Muslims and to strive for his release. Persons signing the pledge are instructed to wear a black badge on the right arm as mark of resentment at the detention of the Allama. This is done with a view to keeping the organization alive in some form or other. On the “Id day” 35  persons gathered in Hyderabad at the residence of Mir Ali Ahmed Nabi Bakhsh, who was the head of the Khaksars in Sind, and gave him and the Khaksars flag a salute by firing crackers. The followers of the new cult call themselves “Fidain Islam” (Devotees of Islam) and Allama mashriqi “Amir Shariat” (Lord of the Holy Community) The District Magistrate is being instructed to keep a close watch on the new movement and the matter is under the careful consideration of Government. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of October 1941, 7th November, 1941.]  

    The City Muslim League, Karachi, convened a Conference on the 15th, 16th and 17th December, under the president ship of the Raja of Mahumdabad. The Raja in his presidential address stated that there could be no unity with the Hindus but merely a pact. He made an appeal to Muslims to unite so that Pakistan could be established. Resolution were passed condemning Congress for creating disunity among the Muslims of the Provinces where they are in a majority, characterizing the conduct of the Bengal Premiere as treacherous, expressing great anxiety at the health of Allama Mashriqi, appealing to Government to release him at once and also appealing to His Excellency the Governor to stop the tendency of the present Ministry to use its officials for opposing the Pakistan Scheme by carrying on Hindu-Muslim unity which is not in the best interest of the Muslims. The Conference was well attended. 
    [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of December 1941, 6th January , 1942.]

    The Working Committee of the Sind Provincial Muslim League has passed a resolution requesting the members of the Muslim League Assembly Party not to take part in any function or party given to the present Ministers. At a private meeting of the City Muslim League, presided over by Mr. M.H. Gazdar, M.L.A., a resolution was passed protesting against the Arya Samaj publication on “Satyarath Prakash”. Khan Bahadur M.A. Khuhro, who was a Minister in the Muslim League Ministry, in a statement to the press has strongly criticized the Honorable Premier for not resigning from the National Defense Council and has complained bitterly against the attitude of the Congress Party in supporting the present Ministry which was co-operating fully with the Government of India in its war efforts. The sentences of six prisoners convicted under the Defense of India Act of making objectionable speeches have been reviewed and the prisoners released partly because it was thought the sentence were severe and partly in pursuance of the Honorable Premiere’s policy of conciliation. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1941, 6th October, 1941.]

    The Sind Provincial Muslim League has decided to celebrate a League week every  three months in order to spread its propaganda. The proposed conference of the Muslim League at Sann in Dadu District was abandoned on account of cholera. The Punjab Muslim Jamait, Keamari (Karachi), has recently formed a Volunteer Corps on the lines of the Sind Muslim National Guard. It is called the Jamiat-i-Mujahidin. The Jamait is intended to work for the cause of the Muslim League. There are so far about 25 volunteers on the roll of the Jamait.
    The Radical Democratic Party of Karachi organized a couple of meetings in which speeches were made condemning the Nazi invasion of Russia, criticizing the Congress for its attitude towards war and exhorting people to give aid to Russia and Britain to destroy Nazism. It is understood that the Party hopes to organize a Soviet Fund and that laborers will be approached to contribute one piece each to the Fund.     [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1941, 6th September, 1941.]

    Muslim League propaganda is on the increase. Largely attended Muslim League meetings were held in Hyderabad and Sukkur and the Provincial Muslim League held in conference at Sultanakot, in Sukkur district, on the 24th and 25th May 1941, under the President ship on Nawab Makhdum Murid Hussain of Multan. The attendance varied between 2 and 3 thousand. The Pakistan creed was explained in these meetings, the present Ministry was condemned and Muslims were urged to unite. At Sukkur and Larkana, local Khaskars provided a Salute to the Muslim League leaders. On the whole there is not much khaksar activity, but some efforts are being made to popularize the movement. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of May 1941, 14th June, 1941.]

    The Muslim League celebrated “Pakistan” Day on the 23rd March holding meetings and the one held in Khalikdina Hall, Karachi, under the president ship of Khan Bahadur M.A. Khuhro, an ex-Minister, was largely attended. Speeches were made by Haji Sir Abdullah Haroon, Mr. G.M. Sayed and Mr. Sheikh Abdul Majid, both ex-Ministers, explaining the Muslim League creed and emphasizing the necessity for the achievement of Pakistan. The speeches of the two ex-Ministers were objectionable, in as much as they were very anti-Hindu. They were consequently examined, but Mr. Sayed’s speech has been found not to be actionable while Mr. Gazdar whose speech certainly was has given an undertaking not to make any speech likely to create communal ill-feeling in future. . [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1941, 4thApril, 1941.]

    The Sind Provincial Muslim League has been busy doing propaganda in Hyderabad and Nawabshah districts. Sir Abdullah Haroon, accompanied by the ex-Premiere, Mir Bundeh Ali Khan, and 2 ex-ministers , Messrs. Shaikh Abdul Majid and G.M. Sayed addressed meetings explaining the Pakistan Scheme and exhorting the Muslims to rally round the banner of the Muslim League. Mr. G.M. Sayed appealed to Muslims to take to business and trade. “Mashriqi Day” was observed by the Khaksars on the 2nd instant at Jacobabad, Hyderabad and Kotri in Dadu district where public meetings were held in which the Khaksars creed was explained. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1941, 19th May, 1941.]

    Three of the four Muslim ministers are now members of the Muslim League, and the other (Pir Illahi Bakhsh) is alleged to be fence-sitting. He will almost certainly follow their example if Jinnah can be induced to give his blessing, or even to withdraw his open disapproval . Khuhro and Gazdar have just gone to Dehli to argue with Jinnah, and are openly sanguine of success. Sir Ghulam’s adhesion to the League has certainly given Jinnah a line of honorable retreat, but I do not count on it too much, for Jinnah has strong personal antipathies which he sometimes deliberately indulges against his interests. The ministers at any rate are not likely to budge and if Jinnah does not give way, he will hardly be able to pretend in future that his Pakistan policy has even the most tenuous hold over the Muslim of Sind. [D.O.No. 414/F.R., 5th November 1942]

  • THE ARYA SAMAJ

    THE ARYA SAMAJ

    At an Arya Samaj meeting held at Karachi an appeal was made to Hindus to oppose the “Pakistan Scheme”. [No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1940, 4th January 1941.]

     

    The Arya Samaj held a meeting in Karachi on the 19th January when a resolution was passed protesting against the policy of the Punjab Government in making Urdu compulsory in the primary schools of the Punjab.

    [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1941, 8th February 1941.]

    The Arya Samaj in a meeting in Hyderabad which was attended by about 100 persons, passed a resolution expressing Sympathy with the Hindus of Lohar State and requesting the Government and the Nawab of Lohar State and also the Punjab Arya Pritinidhi Sabha to take Steps to redress the alleged grievances of Hindus of Lohar State. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, 10th August, 1941.]

    The Arya Samaj held a meeting at Karachi in which Government was requested to take action against the Muslim League leaders on account of the speeches to take action against the Muslim League on account of the speeches made in the meeting held in the Khalikdina Hall on the 6th March. .[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1941, 4thApril, 1941.]

  • KHAKSAR

    KHAKSAR

    Khaskar activity continued on the lines already familiar with the addition that a weekly Khaksar newspaper in Sindhi has made its appearance under the title of “Bab-ul-islam”. The movement also possesses a daily Sindhi paper called “Al-kamal”. The events in the Punjab have given a great stimulus to the movement in the province and have been embellished with rumors such as that a son of Allama Mashriqi was among those killed at Lahore. A few petty officials have joined the movement, presumably on ignorance of the standing orders on the subject, and they are being called upon to resign their membership. The Hindu volunteer associations mentioned in previous reports continue. Sikhs have also been vocal and took  the advantage of the Baisakhi celebrations to condemn the Pakistani scheme, and to protest against the alleged burning of a Granth Sahib in Gujrat district and some alleged interference with the “Akhund Path” at a Gurdwara in Kapurthala State.[No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, 6th May 1940.]

     

    The Khaskars have toned down their activities and the usual parades have stopped. The local students’ Union organized a Student Rally at the Khalikdina Hall on the 1st of September, which was attended by about 200 students. Hashu T. Kewalramani, President of the Students Union, moved a resolution confirming the stand taken by the congress working Committee. A demonstration was organized with the usual flags and placards. A public meeting was held under the auspices of the local Legue of the Radical Congress men to observe an anti-Facist Day. Moulvi Muhammad Yakub Hingoro presided. He stated that the Radical Congressmen were not opposed to the principles of the Congress but to the policy of certain members of the Congress High Command. Din Muhammad Khatib moved a resolution to the effect that the struggle for the emancipation of mankind from fascism could not be seprated from the struggle for Indians freedom. The right grant or not to grant freedom to India did not rest with the British Government but rested with the Indian people. He said that a new enemy of freedom had appeared whose name was Hitler. He was crushing the freedom of the world. Najendra Kumar Vyas, while seconding the resolution condemned Fascism, Nazism and Imperialism, criticized the congress High Command and made some adverse remarks about Mr. Gandhi and Pandit Jawaheral Nehru, which infuriated some of the members present. The meeting ended in an uproar. On the 4th of September the local Union held a meeting to protest against the arrest of Hashu T Kewalramani and Pritam Tahilramani under the defense of India Rules. They have been arrested as they were found in possession of certain proscribed communist pamphlets. Dr.Popatlal A. Bhootpatkar, M.L.A., joined the students in their protest against the arrest of these two persons.[No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the first half of September 1940, 21st September  1940.]

     

    Khaskars paraded in Karachi without uniforms. It is reported that intend defying the ban on the wearing of uniforms. If this happens appropriate action will be taken. The Sind Raj Aryan Samelan convened an Anti-Pakistan Conference in Hyderabad which was attended by about 900 persons. Resolution were passed protesting against the Pakistan scheme and threatening that its enforcement would be resisted with all constitutional means, including that of “Defensive Violence”.[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1941, 8th February 1941.]

    Five khaksars who marched in military formation at Hyderabad have been prosecuted under the Defense of India Rules.[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the first half of February 1941, 18th February 1941.]

    No serious attempt to disregard the ban on the Khaksar organization was made. The Khaksars at Hyderabad and intended to collect in full uniform with the “belchas” and to march to various mosques on the 6th June. The District Magistrate Hyderabad, apprised the local Khaksar leaders of the Government orders and they abandoned their intention. The Khaksars offered prayers in mufti and their leader, Mir Ali Ahmed, in a short speech stated that they had decided to remain peaceful and not to break the law in obedience to the orders issued by their high command and not because they were afraid of the police or the military. He also ordered Khaksars to cease their activities until they received further orders from their high command. In Jacobabad, 9 khaksars were arrested out of whom 6 were released on apology, etc., 2 were sentenced to six months rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 100 had one was sentenced to two months rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 100. It is now proposed to release the three persons imprisoned if they apologize and give an undertaking not to defy the ban. No particular developments are expected and there seems to be no general interest or sympathy with the movement. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, 19th June, 1941.]  

     

    The local Khaskar leader Mian Ahmed Shah, has issued a statement regarding the present position of the Khaskars in which he has commended the action of His Excellency the Governor of the North-West-Frontier Province in showing leniency to the Khaskars. He also hopes that the Government of India will re-consider their orders and has enjoyed upon the Khaskars to remain peaceful in the meantime. Orders have been issued for the release of the two Khaskars imprisoned recently, provided they give an undertaking to refrain from any undesirable activities in future. They are persons of no importance. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, 19th July, 1941.]

    The Fidian-i-islam continues to enroll volunteers. Some ex-Khaksars observed protest fasts at the continued detention of Allama Mashriqi. At a public meeting of the Lasbella State Partly held at Karachi it was decided to from a deputation to wait on the Agent to the Governor General of Baluchistan and the place before him the grievance of State subjects and to request him to extern Murad Jan Gichki and to remove Khan Bahadur Shaikh Nabi Bakhsh, Vazir of Lasbella State, from office. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of December 1941, 6th January , 1942.]

    The Khaksars held a camp at Hyderabad from the 11th to the 13th April. Khaksar leaders had interviewed the Honorable Premiere and the Honorable Minister, Home Department, beforehand and assured them that they had no intention of infringe the orders of Government. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1941, 21st April, 1941.]

    The Khaksars observed “Martyrdom Day” in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana. At Sukkur and Larkana crackers were fired and some of the Khaksars appeared in uniforms with “belchas”. Action against them is under consideration. In Karachi 45 Khaksars moved in the streets in mufti carrying ‘belchas’ but did not march in military formations. A public meeting was held in Khalikdina Hall mostly attended by Muslim Leaguers. Salutes were presented in the memory of the Khaksars killed in Lahore on March 19th, Hafiz Ruknuddin, Tipu Sultan, Inayatullah Khan Mashraqui and the prominent Hinud, Sikh, Christian and Parsee leaders. . [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of March 1941, 4thApril, 1941.]

    The Khaksar Camp at Hyderabad, to which I made a reference in my last letter, attracted considerable audiences and there was a varied program of physical exercises. It was emphasized that the Khaksar movement was a social movement and had no quarrel with any community although one of the captions on the entrance gate to the Camp was to the effect that the object of the Khaksar ‘sipahi’ was the rule of the world and the domination of Islam. . [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1941, 3rd May, 1941.]

    The Provincial Khaksar leader, Mir Ali Ahmed Nabi Baksh, remarked that Khaksars were out to serve the cause of humanity but so far they have failed to render adequate service to the sister communities because Khaksars belong to a down trodden community in a slave country Prayers were offered for the release of Allama Mashriqi. There was a procession of about 65 Khaksars in Hyderabad out of whom 30 wore Khaki dress and 21 carried belchas. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1941, 19th May, 1941.]

  • Congress

    Congress

     

    The effort of enroll “Satyagraha” volunteers continues to be the main activity of the Congress, Circular issued from the All-India Congress Committee Allahabad to all Provincial Congress Committees, envisage the holding of at least one meeting in every village the chief task of the speakers being inform villagers of the villagers of the attitude of Congress towards the present war and the consequences that emerge from it. The Provincial Congress Committees have been advised that in enrolling active ‘Satyagrahas’ quality if of more importance than quantity, and that only congress members should be enlisted. In case non-Congressmen wish to join, they must become at least primary members of Congress. The circulars also advise the formation of camps, ‘shibirs’ and ‘ashrams’ and organizing of meetings among the volunteers who should be taught simple drill and First Aid. They may, in batches of two or three, visit Harijans and members of the majority communities in their homes. Regular fortnightly reports of provincial activities have been called for by the All-India Congress Committee Office. However, efforts to secure volunteers have not met with much response. The public at present have lost interest in the Congress movement and most Hindus feel that, however successful the Congress movement and most Hindus feel that, however successful the Congress movement and most Hindus feel that, however successful the Congress may be elsewhere, in Sind it is not likely to provide them with what they need most namely, security in their villages.

    The Forward Bloc of the Congress have announced that Satyagraha is not included, in their program. It was stated that through the Bloc did not preach violence, yet the public should demand facilities for military training to fit them for the use of weapons for the defense of the country. Much more extreme is a leaflet issued by the Sind Communist Party, which criticizes Mr. Gandhi’s proposed Civil disobedience movement and says that a vigorous attack by the masses is required to put Imperialism to an end; it looks forward to the day when the Indian Army should open fire on their British rulers. It states that the proposed Civil disobedience movement, if started will be even more limited than the movement of 1930-31. ‘Hartals’ by workers and students are forbidden and peasants are not to be allowed to participate. If young congressmen, workers and peasants join the struggle, or students organize ‘Hartals’ and demonstrations, Mr. Gandhi has threatened to stop the movement which is to be confined to batches of spinner ‘Satyagraha’ only. The reason for this restriction is that Mr. Gandhi knows that in present circumstance if the movement spreads among the masses it will be very difficult to stop or control it, and the masses will destroy not only Imperialism but also Capitalism, to which Mr. Gandhi is wedded. The scheme is therefore, useless and worthless, and it is the duty of communists and supporters of revolution to warn the public of the danger of this proposed ‘Satyagraha’. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Second Half of April 1940, 6th May 1940.]

    Congress activities during the fortnight were mainly confined to the holding of meetings on the 1st of September in pursuance of the appeal issued by the All-India Congress Committee. A public meeting was organized in Karachi at the Rambagh Recreation Ground which was attended by about six hundred persons. Portraits of Stalin, Marx and Lenin and placards bearing the following inscription were displayed on the dais: “We condemn and reject the Viceroy’s announcement”. The usual slogans were raised. Dr. Popatlal A. Bhootpatkar, M.L.A., in his speech observed that the meeting was organized to express disapprobation of the announcement of His Excellency the Victory. He discussed the various attempts made by Mr. Gandhi to meet the wishes of the Viceroy, which, however, did not bear fruit. He said that it was a pity that Indians remained hungry and poorly clad in spite of the immense quantity of grain and cotton produced in the country. The British agreed with Hitler to take a plebiscite in Rhineland. The Viceroy should also take a plebiscite in India. He exhorted the people to show before the Working Committee meets that they were ready and would not be satisfied without attaining Swaraj Dr. Choithram P. Gidwani, Mr. Lalji Mahrotra, Mayor of Karachi, and Mr. R. K. Sidhwa, M. L. A, ex-Mayor, also spoke in the same strain. Meetings were also organized by the Satyagraha Committees of Larkana, Ratodero, Kambar and Nasirabad in Larkana district on the 1st of September. At all these places processions of Hindus were taken out attended by about 100 to 300 persons, who sang national songs and shouted slogans. The processions were followed by public meetings in which the resolution passed by the All-India Congress Committee was re-affirmed. [No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the first half of September 1940, 21st September 1940.]

    The most important political event of the week was the reshuffling of the Ministry due to the intervention of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad. So far the only result has been the resignation of Mr. G. M. Sayed, a Moslem Leaguer, and his replacement by the Honorable Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh. The Honorable Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh belongs to the Azad Muslim Party and his inclusion in the Ministry has been welcomed by the Congress and some members of the Hindu Party but not in Muslim League circles. Together with the change in the Ministry, an Advisory Committee of sixteen Members of Legislative Assembly has been formed including all the Honorable Ministers to advise the Cabinet on matter of policy and legislation. Mr. G. M. Sayed has been appointed Secretary of this Committee. The Sind Legislative Assembly met on the 37th November for the first time since the last Budget Session and is now in session. It is reported that the Congress leaders of the Province have been instructed by Moulana Abul Kalam Azad not to participate in the present Satyagraha movement until such times as conditions in the Province improve. A procession of about 300 students was taken out and a meeting was held to observe Anti-Repression Day on the 10th November. Resolution were adopted condemning the acts under which persons striving to free India were being sent to prison and also condemning the action taken by the Madras Government in “terrorizing the students” No particular political activity was visible elsewhere in the Province. [No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1940, 5th December 1940.]

    The Rambaugh Ward Congress Committee organized a public meeting at Karachi on the 21st December to congratulate Congress leaders on their arrest. The enrolment of Satyagraha volunteers continued during the fortnight. Satyagarha Council duly filled in by candidates desirous of offering Satyagraha and the total enrolment upto the end of the fortnight was one hundred and ninety. Dr. C. P. Gidwani, the Provincial Congress President left the Lahore on the 25th December in order to meet Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and to prevail upon him to permit the Congress to launch Satyagraha in Sind. The doctor is expected to proceed to Wardha also to seek Mr. Gandhi’s Permission for the Satyagraha as he thinks that normal conditions now prevail in the province. Congress circles here feel, however, that Mr. Gandhi will not permit the starting of Satyagraha before however that Mr. Gandhi will not permit the starting of Satyagraha before April next. According to Press reports some Congressman and others are endeavoring to prevent the inclusion of Sind in the Satyagraha campaign.

    [No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1940, 4th January 1941.]

     

    Dr. Choithram P. Gidvani, President of the Sind Provincial Congress Committee, was arrested at Karachi on the 31st January for a speech delivered at Lahore. A boilable warrant was received from the Punjab Government, but the Doctor refused to offer bail and was consequently arrested. His arrest without any previous communication with the Government of Sind, the first news received in Karachi was from a Press report, has given the Congress a leg-up in this Province and a number of meetings congratulating Dr. Choithram were held before his departure for Lahore. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1941, 8th February 1941.]

    The arrest of Dr. Choithram P. Gidvani, President of the Sind Provincial Congress Committee, aroused a certain interest and a number of meetings congratulating him on his arrest were held. Congress propaganda for the present is directed towards Hindu-Muslim unity and no anti-war activities are reported. Political interest in the Province now centers round the question of the fulfillment of the so-called “Azad Pact”, the contents of which have not been made public and are said to be known to the signatories only. It is felt that unless there is a reshuffling of the Cabinet, the ministry will be faced with a no-confidence motion when the Assembly meets on the 26th instant. The Honorable Khan Bahadur M. A Khuhro, Minister, Public Works Department, has gone to Dehli to acquaint Mr. M. A. Jinnah with the situation and to seek his advice. A meeting of the Sind Forward Bloc was held in Karachi in which the attitude of Congress Rightists towards the disappearance of Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose was condemned. Resolutions were passed eulogizing the services of Mr. Bose and expressing anxiety at his disappearance. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the first half of February 1941, 18th February 1941.]

    Congress propaganda consists rightly of a few flag salutation ceremonies and speeches on Hindu Muslim Unity. No anti-war or objectionable speeches have come to notice. The Karachi District Congress Committee has expressed its disapproval of the proposed bill to increase the salaries of the members of the Legislative Assembly. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, 19th June, 1941.]  

     

    About half a dozen Congress meetings were held in different parts of the province. Speeches bearing on the Congress constructive program and Hindu-Muslim unity were made. The Local Congress Committee also organized a public meeting at Karachi to congratulate Lakhmichand Kinger, a Congress worker who has recently been convicted under the Defense of India Rules for making an objectionable speech.
    The Sind Forward Bloc held a Conference on the 20th, 21st and 22nd June at Karachi under the chairmanship of Hamiduddin Dilbar of Dehli. It was very poorly attended. Speeches were made attacking the Congress leadership, which was characterized as capitalistic in outlook, and eulogizing the revolt of Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose. The disappearance of Mr. Bose was compared to the exile of Shiri Ramchandra, of Lenin and Lala Lajpatral. Congress was accused of falling to achieve Hindu-Muslim unity and ‘Charkha’, ‘Khadi’ and non-voilence were condemned, Resolutions were also passed supporting the workers and peasant movement. Khaskar activities have ceased and the movement is moribund for the present. Muslim League propaganda in the mofussil is on the increase but a large conference which was to have been held in the Nawabshah District on the 6thinstant has been banned on account of an outbreak of cholera.

    [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of June 1941, 5th July, 1941.]

     

    Concerning the Congress there is nothing of interest to report. The Sind Muslim League intends to hold a conference at Hyderabad in September 1941, and it is proposed to ask the Honorable Sir Sikandar Hyat Khan to preside. The League received the Government decision to ban the conference at Sakrand in the Nawabshah district with some resentment and Mr. M. A. Jinnah sent a wire to His Excellency the Governor asking for his intervention. In view of the large number of cholera cases in the neighboring districts of Larkana, Dadu, and Sukkur and of the fact that cases were occurring in the Nawabshah district itself, it would have been most inadvisable to allow the conference to be held. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, the second half of July 1941, 19th July, 1941.] 

    Congress propaganda included the usual Flag salutation ceremonies and a few meetings. Mahatma Gandhi is understood to have issued instructions to the Provincial Congress Committees that the principles of non-violence must be strictly followed even in the event of Congress members being attacked by dacoits. In pursuance of these instructions. Peace Brigades have been formed. Apart from the most fervent followers of Mahatma Gandhi, the people of the Province, however, are very skeptical of the efficacy of non-violence. The Hindus particularly are insistent in their demands for more gun licenses. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of July 1941, 5th August, 1941.]     

    A number of Congress meetings were held in the Province in connection with the Tilak Week, which was observed between the 27th July and 1stAugust. The audiences were mainly composed of Hindus. At some of these meetings the speakers indulged in anto-Britain and anti-war remarks. Swami Krishanand, while speaking in Karachi, depreciated the present inactivity on the part of the leaders and the policy of Mahatma Gandhi. He asserted that India that India could never obtain Swaraj unless she embraced the British Government. He added that non-voilence could never bring about the freedom of any country. Another speaker referred to an article of Professor Harold Laski in the “National Herald” and commended his observations that this war was being fought for world domination between two Imperialism. Tributes were paid to the part played by the late Mr. Tilak in the cause of India freedom and it was observed that he was the First Indian leader to realize that freedom for this country could be achieved only by suffering and not by clamoring for a few jobs and offices. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1941, 20th August, 1941.]  

    There is not much going on in the Congress camp, but there is a cleavage of opinion between the two groups of Congress in Sind, one welcomes the continuance of support the present Ministry and the other criticizes the Congress High Command’s attitude but in any case both abide by the High Command’s decision. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of October 1941, 7th November, 1941.]

    The recent decision of the Congress Working Committee in regard to the war has been welcomed in local Congress circles. There is much relief on the retirement of Mahatma Gandhi from the Congress leadership as it is generally realized that a more realistic approach is called for interview of Japan’s entry into the war. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of December 1941, 6th January, 1942.]

     

    The celebrations following “Gandhi Jayanti” which consisted of thirty three Congress meetings, a number of ‘prabhat pheris’ and processions has given an impetus to Congress propaganda in the province. The presence at some of the meetings of Dr. Choithram P. Gidwani, President of the Sind Provincial Congress Committee, Hashoo T. Kewalramani and other Congressman, who were undergoing sentences under the Defense of India Rules, and have been recently released, led to an outburst of anti-British feelings. Dr. Choithram declared that he was anxious to see the end of British rule in the same way as the British wanted to see the end of Hitler, Swami Krishnanand, leader of the Forward Bloc, in one of the public meetings convened to celebrate “Gandhi Jayanti”dubbed all those who gave help to Britain in this war as “Shaitans” Mr. R. K. Sidhwa remarked that the British had entered Iran with Imperialistic motives. Dr. Choithram P. Gidvani is touring the province addressing public meetings. He has been expressing regret at the decision of Mahatma Gandhi to exclude Sind from the pale of Satyagraha. The students of Karachi held a public meeting to congratulate Hashu T. Kewalramani and Kazi Mujtaba, the former on his premature release and the latter on the removal of the order restricting him to a village in the Karachi District. Speeches were made exhorting the students to line up with anti-Imperialistic forces, and to foster Hindu-Muslim unity. The Sind Assembly Congress Party met recently and approved of the decision of the All-India Congress Parliamentary Board and Mahatma Gandhi to continue support to the present Ministry, in spite of the fact that the Premier continues to be a member of the National Defense Council. It disapproved the action of Mr. R. K. Sidhwa in accompanying the Honorable Premiere to Wardha without consulting the members of the party and it is understood that Mr. Sidhwa has apologized. It also passed resolutions expressing satisfaction at the application of the Jagirdari Act to the whole of the Province and urging Government to grant immediate relief to the people of Rohri Division whose crops have failed owing to water deficiency. The Muslim League is inactive. A private meeting of the Lasbella State National Party was held on the 29thSeptember, in which resolutions were passed sympathizing with those members of the Party who had been arrested and requesting the Baluchistan and Lasbella authorities to release them. Ahmed Lassi advised the party to start propaganda against the Jam Saheb and the Vazir of Lasbella who alone were alleged to be responsible for the arrest of the members of the lasbella National Party. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1941, 17th October, 1941.]

    Five public meetings mostly attended by students were held. Speeches eulogizing the services of Mahtma Gandhi were made. Dr. Popatlal A. Bhootpatkar, M.L.A., speaking at one of the meetings, remarked that the British Government had created Hindu-Muslim disorders by introducing separate electorates and communal ratios in the services. A congress Conference was held Khanpur, Shikarpur Taluka, Sukkur district, on the 10thand 11th September under the Chairmanship of Dr. Gobindram Punjabi. It was attended by about 500 persons on each day. The main speaker was Mr. C.T. Valecha, M.L.A., who indulged in some anti-British remarks and said that India was being unnecessarily dragged into the war. Resolutions were passed requesting Government to control the abnormal rise in the prices of foodstuffs and other articles and to grant more gun license to the villagers and deploring the alleged attitude of the British Government in not paying need to the welfare of Indian people.
    The Congress who proposed to resign from Karachi Municipal Corporations as a result of the decision of the Corporation to give flags and bunting free to the Karachi War Fete, have been told that the matter was too trivial to be made an issue for resignation. As a result of the meeting of Mahatma Gandhi and continue to give support to the present Ministry. There seems to be no desire on the part of the Congressmen to disregard these instructions most probably because Congress is not prepared to allow the formation of a Muslim League Ministry, the only alternative to the present one. The Honorable Premiere left Karachi on the 30th September for Allahabad, where he is to see Moulana Abul Kalam Azad in the Naini Jail before proceeding to attend the meeting of the National Defense Council. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1941, 6th October, 1941.]

    In a few Congress meetings held in the fortnight under report stress was laid on the Congress constructive program, particularly Hindu-Muslim unity. Congressmen, as a whole, seem to be exercised over the increased war effort in the mofussil. It is understood that Professor Ghanshyam Jethanand, M.L.A., has sent his resignation from the Sind Legislative Assembly through the Sind Provincial Congress Committee as a mark of protest against the action of the Government in permitting local bodies to give contribution to the war funds. It is also understood that Messrs. Parsram Tahilram and Lalji Mehrotra (the latter an ex-Mayor of Karachi) have sent in their resignations from the Corporation to the All-India Congress Committee for approval and transmission to the Mayor of Karachi, as a result of the decision of the Karachi Municipal Corporation to give flags and buntings free for the Karachi War Fete. The Muslim League is jubilant over the resignation of Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan and Sir Muhammad Saadullah from the National Defense Councul and resolutions were passed at public meetings held in Karachi and Larkana expressing full confidence in Mr. Jinnah and congratulating Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan and Sir Muhammad Saadullah and Nawab of Chhatari on their resignations from the National Council. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1941, 22nd September, 1941.]

    Congress has not been very active. The usual flag Salutation ceremonies were performed at Hyderabad, where an effort is being made to bring about Hind-Muslim unity and do village uplift work. The Hyderabad Congress Committee Corporation to lend flags and buntings etc., required for the Karachi War Week Fete free of charge. The Congress members of the Legislative Assembly seem to be much concerned with the increasing association of the public in the war effort and there are differences of opinion among them on the question whether they should resign or not from the legislative Assembly and local bodies. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1941, 6th September, 1941.]

     

    Congress propaganda is more or less at a stand –still. The Sind Provincial Congress Committee has decided to abolish the Sind Supreme Satyaraha Council in view of the remote possibility of ‘Satyagaraha’ being allowed in Sind. It is expected that order ‘Satyagraha’ committees will similarly be liquidated. It is rumored that Mahatma Gandhi may visit Sind with a view to stimulate propaganda for Hindu-Muslim unity. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of May 1941, 14th June, 1941.]

    A deputation of Congressmen is to leave shortly for Wardha to seek permission from Mahatma Gandhi to start ‘satyagraha’ in this Province. A Sind Provincial Azad Muslim Party has been formed by the Honorable Pir Illahi Baksh, Minister of Education. The Party will consists of nationalist Muslims and will opposite the Muslim League. The party proposes to start a Sindhi daily paper. Master Tarasingh, the well-known Sikh Leader from Amritsar has been to Karachi to preside over an Akali Conference and he addressed meetings of Sikhs in which he attacked the Muslim League and ridiculed the Pakistan idea. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1941, 21st April, 1941.]

    Congress activities at present are in the main confined to the holding of meetings but on the whole these meetings are but poorly attended and there is some feeling that it is difficult to maintain public interest in Congress affairs in the absence of permission to indulge in Satyagraha. Swami Govindanand, leader of the Forward Bloc has stated that the Forward Bloc can no longer function in view of the disappeared of Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1941, 4thApril, 1941.]

    The deputation of Congressmen who interviewed Mahatma Gandhi in Wardha were refused permission to start ‘satyagraha’ in this province. They were advised to concentrate on constructive work. Congress observed Jallianwala Bagh Day on the 13th April. Mass meetings were held in Karachi and Hyderabad, in which anti-British and objectionable speeches were made. At Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas, large pictures depicting in a Lund manner Jallianwala Bagh incident were prominently displayed in processions. Dr. Popatlal A. Bhootpatkar, M.L.A., speaking at Karachi, remarked that although Indians were unable to take revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh the death grip in which the British were involved at present was a retribution for the Indian blood that was shed at Jallianwala Bagh. Another speaker stated that events like Jallianwala Bagh are to be welcomed, for freedom could not be achieved till incidents like Jallianwala Bagh shocked the Indian people and prepared them for sacrifices. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1941, 3rd May, 1941.]

    There have been no Congress activities worthy of notice. The Arya Samaj celebrated their Golden Jubilee at Sukkur. The speeches were more religious than political. A resolution was passed urging upon the Government to introduce Hindi in Government schools and to give grants-in-aid to private schools teaching Hindi. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1941, 19th May, 1941.]

    The two Hindu members have at present hardly any following in the Assembly, and Nihchaldas is working ceaselessly against them. The picketing has been rather disgraceful. The possibility of adopting this form of coercion seems to have been first mooted as a possibility in the meetings of the Hindu Independent Party, and when Gokuldas and Hemadas broke away and joined the Ministry, Nihchaldas at once issued a statement to the press that he hoped the new ministers would not be picketed. This of course, was entirely of a piece with Brer Rabbit’s advice to BrerFox not to throw him in the briar patch, and was just as successful. Next day both Ministers were picketed mainly be schoolchildren and woman under Congress incitement, and a crude bomb was thrown one night outside Hemandas’s residence. It was one of the ingredients in this bomb which provided the clue which has led to the discovery of the amateur bomb factory and the arrests referred to in the official report.  [D.O.No. 414/F.R, 5th November 1942]