CALCUTTA: Pandit Nehru, Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan, Sardar Patel and Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar in a joint statement today [Nov 3] most earnestly appeal for cessation of violence and for a return to the methods of peace. The four Members of the Interim Government say:

“…We have come here at last on this brief visit to offer our homage to the innocent people who have suffered and to the brave spirit of [those] who have given help and succour at a time of grave peril and urgent need.

“We do not wish to say anything at this stage about controversial matters, for the situation is difficult and delicate and a wrong word may complicate it further. … Meanwhile, we venture to make an urgent and earnest appeal to all our countrymen, not only in Calcutta and Bengal, but all over India. Much has happened in the recent past which has degraded Indian humanity and shamed us before others. Whatever our differences may be but none of us should tolerate acts which degrade and brutalise our people. …Violence against a neighbour and fellow citizen leads to counter and increasing violence and to the drying up of social and civic life. It leads to human degradation. ….”

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2021