As regards the Sikhs themselves there is no scope for difference on the demand. Opinions differ on hundred and one questions but not on the imperative need of the nation for a homeland. Who would dispute about its very existence? The demand, as I said earlier, is not a new one. It is but making concrete the nebulous yearning of the Sikhs. You have given ample proof of your national consciousness. Fortunate enough, you have begun to shake off the hypnosis of slogans and catch phrases. You fought against the injustice of the British rule and will fight equally valiantly if you have the misfortune of being pitched against the injustice of the prospective Black rule. Have you examined the context of freedom? Do you find a place anywhere. The two communities have gone too far in their bargain to partition the land inter se. Where do you come in the picture? Certainly nowhere in the paintings produced by both the political artists, Mahatma Gandhi and Mr. Jinnah. In the picture that Mr. Jinnah produces, a position of political serfdom has been alloted to you, for he feels the necessity of your labour on the fields of the Muslim Nabobs, This much about your economic and political future, if the two artists come to terms. And will they take long? In fact they have already agreed. The Covenant is drafted and written. It only remains to be formally signed. There are hurdles of academic objections only. Lend no ear to their loud vociferation to the contrary which they have begun emitting a short while ago.
What about the freedom of conscience ? You have given ample proof that you don’t mean to give up religion. The communist friends have had enough time to cajole and flirt with you and your belief, But will it be possible for you under the new regime? I presume you have not forgotten your past history. How could you, when you daily repeat the sufferings of you ancestors and preceptors, You need not answer my question, I can very well read from your very expression on your face. Don’t he deluded with such consoling remarks that times have changed; the story of our past is the story of the 18rh century and we have travelled two centuries ahead. Is two centuries a period worth considering in the evolution of human nature? The Muslim gentleman is not Muslim if he has changed radically from his co-religionist of two centuries ago.
In your struggle against the British rule there was the elevating feeling of being considered a patriot. Your sorry plight and struggle could earn for you the moral support and sympathy of outsiders, not so in case you are to resume your political struggle against Indian tyranny. Ic will lose the halo of Patriotism about it; the outside world will not raise a finger at such purely local issue. You will be in a far worse position while struggling against Muslim Imperialist as compared with your position in the fight against the white Imperialist. Don’t found hopes on a rebellion. The organized might of the modern state simply rules out rebellion of unarmed civil population as utterly futile. New political chains are going to be forged for you ; political struggle is going to begin for you anew, unless you forestall such designs by having a separate homeland for you.
I have not to convince you for your own demand. But a word of caution is imperative, Your demand, however just and reasonable would evoke nothing but opposition from those who condemn you to homelessness. It’s obvious cogent sterility will earn for your leader M. Tara Singh the accusation of occupying at the same time fifteen stools! Mere resolutions endorsing the material demand would not do. A tierce struggle lies ahead and you must brace up. This truly national cause may again call one and all to colors. The whole nation may have to don Khaki. However, fierce and lengthy the struggle, triumph you must for your cause is just.
Beware of the booming guns of the self-styled nationalist Hindu Press. Very strong frontal attacks will be made on your conviction and determination to act up to it. The gun-turrets are going to be directed towards you, pouring forth such shells as communalists in truck with Imperialists to sabotage independence of India; separatists, reactionaries on the moves, motherland’s vivisection apace, transigent minority Vetoing the rights of majority and what not! These shells will be accompanied by a generous volley of shots of abuses. You need not return these epithets. Only remain
- Jawahar Lal Nehru’s Press Interview on 6-5-1946.
strong in your determination, not to falter or deviate from the path that has been chalked out for you, the avenue that leads to the realization of your craving that you express in your daily prayer :
Raj Karega Khalsa
Your past, your culture, your racial characteristics, your religion—all entitle you to the Status of nationhood and they will all wither away if not suddenly obliterated unless you don’t Possess the staying political Power needed for their preservation. That is only possible if you have a separate national homeland.
