BELGAUM: “I am not afraid of Pakistan; if we get independence it does not matter if India is divided into ten different States as the States under the Soviet Union,” said Mr. C. Rajago­palachari, add­ressing a public meeting here on Friday [Feb 11].

Mr. Rajagopalachari explained in detail how Hindus and Muslims had been living harmoniously in India for so many years. Though differing in religion, they had a common culture. The communities, said the speaker, who had no difference in social matters, had learnt to be tolerant about each other’s religion.

“If we want to abolish British rule,” he said, “we must settle the political differences between Hindus and Muslims by recognising the Muslim League which represents the political feelings of the Muslims who want their claims to be accepted, the most important of which is Pakistan.”

By granting Pakistan, said Mr. Rajago­­palachari, walls would not be raised between provinces to shut the flow of commerce, education or culture. The Soviet Union had allowed its States to separate, if they want. This should be the policy in granting Pakistan to Muslims, said Mr. Raja­gopalachari and this settlement must be achieved before the war ended. It could be done, he added, not by magic but by human effort.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2019