AMRITSAR: “Hindus, Muslims and others may differ as to the exact form of Government or the relationship, if any, at the Centre between the different units and regions of India but there is no room for slavery, no room for subjugation of one people by the other, and that after the war we must be free,” observed Mir Maqbool Mahmood, M.L.A., (Punjab), addressing the Convocation of the M.A.O. College [March 29].

Mir Maqbool Mahmood said that Muslim League had declared that they stood for a free Islam in a free India and advocated the establishment of independent States of the geographically contiguous regions where Muslims are in majority. The Muslims had made it their sheet-anchor and ‘Magna Carta’ of the future, while the Hindus had set themselves against it and India appeared to stand at the parting of ways, added Mr. Maqbool.

“This contempt,” he added, “has bred more misunderstanding than familiarity of each other’s ideals. Major communities agree that the yoke of Britisher[s] must end. The question then arises that in that event where should the power go. Either it is to be transferred to an agreed Centre or it should go to the units and peoples forming India, i.e., Hindu India, Muslim India and the States India.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2018