MR. M.A. JINNAH … in a statement on Thursday [Oct 24] condemned the disturbances in the country and appealed for tolerance. Mr. Jinnah said: “I was anxious to get some reliable news about the Noakhali disturbances. I feel relieved that there is no foundation for the grossly exaggerated news pregnant with serious repercussions flashed by news agencies. Nevertheless, I condemn the disturbances and disorder which have resulted in loss of life and destruction of property and the brutal methods adopted.

“I most earnestly appeal to both Hindus and Muslims and other communities to stop this orgy and carnage. It is a blot on the fair name of the two great nations, Hindu and Muslim, with their hoary civilisation and great past. We stand discredited already before the eyes of the world, because these disturbances not only have happened in Bengal but in other provinces… . It takes two to quarrel and it is up to the leaders of both communities to put an end in the name of humanity to what is happening, whatever may be our political quarrels, convictions and ideologies, which we will fight out, but not by these shocking and revolting methods… .”

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2021