O. P.
Sharma*
Mahatma
Gandhi, a symbol of non-violence, truth and moral values paid a 4-day
historical visit to strategic and sensitive Jammu and Kashmir State
during a crucial period in first week of August, 1947 and played a pivotal
role. This was his life’s first and the only short visit in Kashmir which gave
some turning points to course of events on the eve of Independence as well as
thereafter by providing much-needed healing touch to the people in this
sensitive and strategic border State.
The Father of
the Nation always had his hand on the pulse of the people and his gospel of
non-violence, truth and sincerity of purpose had already won the hearts of
masses in Jammu and Kashmir
as elsewhere in the country.
The
visit was at a very momentous period on August 1-4, 1947 and had much historic
importance for Jammu and Kashmir
as well the entire country. It was a significant event then in 1947, but a
spotlight on it now is also of much relevance for the people in this part of
the country. Gandhiji’s message of peace and harmony has always stood the test
of time and is so still very much relevant in our time now.
Historical Visit
The
Indian National Congress leadership: Gandhiji, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana
Azad, Sardar Patel and other stalwarts had been source of inspiration and
ideology during the movement in Jammu
and Kashmir for attainment of responsive and
democratic governance in place of the monarchy. The struggle in Kashmir was spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who
stood by the high principles of peaceful method and uphold the Hindu-Muslim
unity at all cost. The Sheikh was imprisoned at the time of the Mahatma’s
visit.
On
August 1, 1947, Gandhiji reached Srinagar, the
summer capital of Jammu and
Kashmir State,
to an affectionate welcome and grand reception by Begum Akbar Jehan wife of
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and about 500 women social and political activists. He
freely met the masses in Kashmir then. The
Mahatma did not address any public rally during his three days stay in Srinagar but held two
prayer meetings during which he gave expression to his ideas, impressions and
idealism and at the same time highlighted the supremacy of the masses.
Significant Observations
Gandhiji
made some famous observations which assumed historical significance: First, the
Amritsar Treaty of 1846 under which Kashmir
was given to Maharaja Gulab Singh was termed by him as “a sale deed”. He
admired the masses for their exemplary role during the freedom movement as also
in maintaining exemplary Hindu-Muslim unity at a time when there were dark
clouds of strife and observed that he saw “a ray of hope” in Kashmir despite
communal frenzy elsewhere on the sub-continent. Gandhiji also frowned on
illumination when strategic Gilgit area was reverted back by the British to the
J&K ruler and curiously observed and prophesied that Gilgit area will be
ultimately “snatched”. His word proved true in less than a year as Gilgit was
annexed by Pakistan.
Complex
Situation
After
enactment of Indian Independence Act by British Parliament on July 17, 1947,
the Paramount powers of the Crown over rulers of Indian States was to lapse
from August 15, 1947 and Lord Mountbatten called upon the princely States to
join either of the Dominions- India or Pakistan- by deadline of
Independence Day (August 15, 1947). There was pressure on the ruler from Muslim
League led by Mohammad Ali Jinnah who propounded two-nation theory while the
people of Kashmir led by Sheikh Mohammad
Abdullah totally rejected the two-nation theory. The Maharaja of J&K State
was unable to take decision in this complex situation.
The J&K State’s then Prime Minister, Ram Chand
Kak, was removed within a short while after Gandhiji’s meeting with Maharaja
Hari Singh during the visit.
Mahatma
Gandhi was all praise for the tallest leader of Kashmir,
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for his adherence to communal harmony, deep concern
for down-trodden masses, democratic aspirations and nationalistic views. The
Sheikh and his party, while firmly rejecting the two-nation theory, had
consciously sided with the ideals of peace, progress, democracy and secularism.
During
this visit to Jammu and Kashmir,
Maharaja, Hari Singh and Maharani Tara Devi, cordially invited Gandhiji to the
Palace and had an elaborate meeting. He was affectionately accorded traditional
welcome with Arti and tilak by the Royal couple and also then young prince, Dr
Karan Singh. Later, the details have been recorded by Dr. Karan Singh in his
book titled “Heir Apparent”. Gandhiji during his visit also had met a number of
delegations and preached his ideas and ideology both in Kashmir and Jammu..
Mahatma Gandhi
wrote one report on this visit and sent it to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru with a
request to show it to Sardar Vallabbhai Patel as well.
Subsequent
events have amply proved Gandhiji right in many respects. The relevance of
Gandhi’s message and teachings still have much relevance and significance for
tackling the real problems still facing the people. By adhering to Gandhian
ways, the solution to all issues can be found and permanent peace, progress and
prosperity attained. Mahatma Gandhi’s 4-day visit on August 1-4, 1947 to Jammu and Kashmir forms
a proud chapter of our history.
The
Indian people are without Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, for the past 65
years but Gandhiji’s ideals still are like beacon light for not only the nation
but the entire world.
On
the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, it is time to re-dedicate ourselves to
the lofty ideals and high principles of moral values for making the country
including Jammu and Kashmir,
a strong, secular country based on socio-economic justice.
(PIB Features)
*****
On the Occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
*The author is a Freelance
Journalist.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author in this
article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PIB.
SS-178/SF-178/01-10-2012
RTS/HSN