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Apart
from, a fierce struggle for total freedom by the Indians many situations
repetitively indicated to the British government itself, that last days
of their rule were approaching. The naval staff had revolted. The advances
of Indian National Army, during 2nd World War made a significant impact
on the eastern front. Although victorious, Britain was still suffering
from consequences of war. Amongst the Indians, the reform's era was
over long back and demand for total freedom had been rooted firmly.
In
such circumstances, Lord Mountbatten assumed the office of Viceroy and
Governor General on 24th of March 1947. His immediate task was to restore
peace amongst warring Hindus and Muslims-both in his executive council
and in the country at large. He immediately started meeting with leaders
of both the communities. Very slowly and gradually the Congress high
command had to digest a grim fact that living together for both communities
is impossible. This was due to adamancy on Muslim League's part. One
by one Mahatma Gandhi,Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendraprasad
realised that partition would be the only solution. Governors
of Punjab & Bengal however vehemently opposed this idea. In the
meantime communal hatred in India was at it's peak. And killings were
on rise-especially in Punjab and Delhi where stabbing and arson were
law of the day. The only blot on the remarkable career of Lord Mountbatten
was, he did not attempt to stop these killings.
A
final proposal with the new plan was put up at the end of May, 1947.
With certain specific decisions on Punjab and Bengal, wherein 1941,
census figures would be an index of settlement. Legislative assembly
of Sindh in it's meeting would have it's own decision and north-west
frontiers and Assam policies were separately decided.
On
2nd of June 1947, a meeting convened by Mountbatten was attended by
7 leaders- Nehru, Patel, and Kriplani from the Congress and Jinnah,
Liyaquat Ali Khan and Abdur Nishtar from the league with Baldev Singh
representing the Sikhs. The Viceroy updated them on the proposal and
asked the leaders to convey their decisions latest by midnight.
After
stressful discussions the Congress committee approved the plan known
as ' plan of June 3'. The league leaders in their meeting, approved
of it on 10th of June 1947. These announcements immediately reduced
the communal tension except sporadic incidents in Punjab and Calcutta.
Other political parties however did not approve.The Hindu Mahasabha
in its convention at Delhi passed a resolution that India is one and
indivisible and peace will be restored only after the seperated areas,
are brought back.
Once
approved, Mountbatten had a herculean task in front of him. Parliamentary
legislation had to be hurried through. Administrative services and armed
forces had to be divided. Assets and liabilities had to be proportioned
with boundaries of disputed areas settled. More or less he completed
the job within next few months.
On
July 15th, 1947, the Indian Independence Bill was passed by House of
Commons followed by getting passed next day in the House of Lords. The
India (Provisional Constitution) Act, 1947 was made by the governor
on 14th of August-details discussed separately. Firm decisions were
taken on setting of interim government, services and administration,
and a boundary commission was set. The constituent assembly of Indian
Union met in New Delhi. In an atmosphere tensed with excitement Pandit
Nehru addressed the members.
"Had
the stroke of midnight today when the world sleeps, India will awake
to life and freedom. A moment comes which comes but rarely when we step
out from the old to new, when an age ends, and when soul of the nation
long suppressed finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment
we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people
and to the still larger cause of humanity."
It
is hardly necessary to say that August 15th was hailed with joy all
over India and no words will adequately describe the tumultuous scenes
of wild rejoicing witnessed in every city and every village.
©
2001 vandemataram.com All rights reserved.
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