The New Nation - Internet Edition

Syed Moazzem Hussain

Pakistan is passing a very crucial time. They cannot afford any further break. Pakistan's existence became questionable after the arrival of US forces in Afghanistan. Pakistanis and their well-wishers want a strong Pakistan. A strong Pakistan is needed not only for the existence of Muslims in the Sub-Continent but also for Iran and the Arabs.

Because of power and chair, Muslims are weaker everywhere. They remain busy for fighting among themselves. It is said in 1971 Pakistan was broken because of the Chair. Z.A. Bhutto was too ambitious for the Chair and that was the major cause of the break down and finally he put himself in the gallows. Saddam Hussein met the same fate like Bhutto as he helped to bring US forces on Iraqi soil, this is also for the chair. Molla Omar and Laden no more barking, hiding in the caves like rats. Egypt immediately learnt the lesson after the loss in Sinai war in 1967 with a tiny Israel. Now enjoying a good relation.

We used to overhear from our seniors in late 50's while we were student of class IX or X that India will break since they are fighting to suppress the liberation war in their Punjab, in Kashmir, in greater Assam and in many other parts in India. They are now more stronger and united whereas Pakistan was split in 1971. Lord Mountbatten, Last Viceroy of India said "Hindus are superior" in his book "Mount batten and the Partition of India" written by Larry Collins & Dominique Lapierre. I read this book in 1981. Statement found not incorrect when I saw Gen. Hossain Mohd. Ershad declared martial law in Bangladesh in 1982 and ousted able President Justice Sattar from the Chair.

After the defeat at Plassey in 1757 all the Muslim rulers in India lost their Kingdom one after another since their central government in Delhi was very weak. The British soldiers conquered the whole of India in less than one hundred years from 1757.

In 1857, Muslim soldiers revolted against the British Raj which ended in failure since the Hindus fully supported and co-operated with the British Raj. By cooperating with the British Raj Hindus got the Zamindaris, government service, business and educational facilities.

Muslims' condition became miserable and pitiable. By seeing this Lord Warren Hastings the then Governor of Bengal has written in his book in 1853 "The Mussalmans" that one hundred years ago a Muslim was not available to take the Zakat. Now after one hundred years, you will not find a Muslim who has capacity to give "Zakat". In the 19th century British government made Bombay Presidency, Madras Presidency and Bengal Presidency. Bengal Presidency consists of Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Orissa. Bengal Presidency was much much bigger in size and population than Bombay and Madras. In 1873 British government was very concerned because of the famine in Orissa. They realised it was difficult for them to rule the entire Bengal Presidency from Calcutta. Thereafter, they decided to split Bengal into East Bengal and Assam in one part and West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa in other part. Governor General Lord Curzon implemented the division of Bengal from October 1905. The whole Hindu community not only of Bengal but all over India vehemently opposed it. They held more than 5000 public meetings and demonstration in Bengal.

They boycotted the British goods. Hindu organisation "Anusilon" and "Jugantor" started terrorist activities. Khudiram tried to kill the Calcutta-based British governor. He was caught, tried and later hanged. Lord Curzon divided Bengal with the help of Nawab Sir Salimullah in 1905 and Dhaka became the capital of East Bengal. Rabindra Nath Tagore not only opposed the division of Bengal but also opposed the establishment of Dhaka University.

Nawab Sir Salimullah was a far-sighted person. Muslim leaders were scattered all over India. He wanted to unite them under one umbrella and with that aim he established Muslim League in 1906 at Dhaka. Nawab Sir Salimullah wanted Muslim League will represent the Muslim matters before the British Raj. Aga Khan was made the President of Muslim League in 1910 and he himself along with the Hindu leaders also opposed the division of Bengal. There after during India visit, George the 5th declared to cancel the division of Bengal Act and reunited the Bengal Presidency in 1911. At this act Nawab Sir Salimullah was greatly shocked and fallen sick. Thereafter, he died in 1914 at the age of 44 years only.

Surprisingly the Hindu leaders and the Congress in 1947 made their demand for the division of Bengal and merger of West Bengal with India. 80% population of Haridaspur district of Punjab was Muslim, still then it was merged with India only to grab Kashmir under their long plan. At the time of partition of India, Muslim leadership in Bengal was very weak. As a result, East Pakistan lost majority Muslim areas like Murshidabad and Cooch Bihar district of Bengal and Kachar and Karimgonj of Assam. Indian leaders like Tilok told to Sir Valentine, a reporter of the Times of London, that Muslims conquered and ruled Spain for several centuries. Finally, Spanish people has driven them out of Spain, similarly the Hindus want to drive out the Muslims from India.

Today, in India 18% population are Muslims but they are not enjoying even 1% Indian government job and they are not in big business. Now they know very well that they cannot drive the Muslims out of India, therefore, they want to use them as their servant. They also know they cannot do that as long as a strong Pakistan exists. They succeeded to break Pakistan in 1971. In various ways and means they are now trying to break it further. They are playing this game very well with the help of USA. As a result Pakistan is in turmoil. I am very happy to read that PPP and PML want to form a national government Please do that and it should continue till the dust is settled. There should be continued peace and stability within the country and within the government.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad had a secret meeting with Quid-e-Azam-Mohammed Ali .

Jinnah in May 1947 in Delhi. After the usual exchange of Islamic greetings, Maulana Azad asked Quid-e-Azam, "Why are you dividing the Muslims of India into three parts?" Quid-e-Azam replied, "No. I am dividing them into two, not three." Then Maulana responded, "East Pakistan will not remain with you for more than 25 years- there will be fight of cultures." After this remark of Maulana Azad, Quid-e-Azam looked deep into his eyes and remarked, "Maulana, I am giving the Muslims a fortress to regain their past glory and history. If they don't realise this, then may God help them." At this reply, the Maulana almost sprang up and embraced Quid-e-Azam and for the first and last time he addressed Jinnah as Quid-e-Azam.

The Maulana exclaimed, "If that is how you feel, then in the name of Allah I am also with you (Agar Yehi Appaki Niyat Hai to Bismillah, Mai Bhi Aapka Saath Hun)". (This ref page 28, "Select Writings and Speeches" of Syed Badrudduja compiled and edited by Mohammed Ali Syed, Bar at Law.) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was the right hand person of Quid-e-Azam. Congress did not like the two friends move together; therefore they made Maulana President of All India Congress. After the partition of India in 1947 Maulana perhaps got back his realisation, it is said he told to many Muslim leaders go, go back to Pakistan and strangthen them. Thereafter Shaheed and Sher-e-Bangla Fazlul Haq returned to East Pakistan.

My strong belief and hope, Pakistanis will not allow the same history to be repeated in the future.

(Syed Moazzem Husain is a free lance columnist)