AHMEDABAD: Pleading for a dispassionate consideration of the Pakistan issue, Mr. M.A. Jinnah, President of the All-India Muslim League, addressing a crowded meeting of students today [Jan 15] asserted that Pakistan was “the only way of cornering John Bull”. He denied that the policy and programme of the Muslim League was inimical to Hindu interests. ... The struggle for Pakistan was not against the Hindus, but against the British rule. The plea for a united India, Mr. Jinnah said, was the result of British machinations. “Whatever you might say, the present united India is not held by us, but by machine-guns,” he said.

The meeting was held under the auspices of the Ahmedabad Muslim Students’ Union. Earlier in his speech, Mr. Jinnah advised the students that their primary duty, both to themselves and their parents, should be the prosecution of their studies. But in their long vacations they could render useful social service. Explaining the Pakistan idea, Mr. Jinnah expressed gratification that there were many non-Muslims now who had begun to appreciate it. But there were many also who were steeped in prejudice, [and] closed their eyes and ears and mind.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2020