Dr. Dur Muhammad Pathan.

SINDH IN 1942

January 1942: The All Sind Educational Conference demanded pre-school education should be introduced in training colleges and training schools [Proceedings of Sind Legislative Assembly, Pg-11]

1^st January 1942: AIJAZ QURESHI is born at Arazi. He served in Sindh University in capacity of   a Professor and nowadays he is rendering social services. He is an author of books also. [Gul Hayat Collection]

1^st January 1942: FAKIR MUHAMMAD BHUTTO an eminent folklore poet is born at Arzi Bhutto. [Gul Hayat Collection]

1^st January 1942: An eminent poetSIRICHAND “Sangdil” [Gul Hayat Collection]

5^th January 1942: An eminent poet Sarang Latifi is born at Karachi. [Gul Hayat Collection]

6^th January 1942: Journalist Amir Bux Bhatti is born at Subhani Bhatti. [Gul Hayat Collection]

10^th January 1942: An eminent poet Muhammad Salih ‘Aas’ Khaskheli is born at Butt Sirai. [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th January 1942: The stage is set to hold Muslim League Conference at Kambar. Shaikh Abdul Majeed Sindhi is requested to preside. [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th January 1942: An eminent poetMuhammad Uris ‘Azhar’ is born at Mevo Khan. [Gul Hayat Collection]

14^th January 1942: Gauhati Students Day was observed in Karachi by the All Sind students Federation on January 14^th at protest against the alleged ‘lathi’ and bayonet charges on a peaceful procession of students in Assam. Speeches were made condemning the attitude of the authorities of the Gauhati College. Mr. Alim T. Gidwani of the forward Bloc exhorted students to take part in politics and to make sacrifices for the freedom of the country. He stated that Indians could not defend themselves as they had been prevented from manufacturing motor cars and aeroplanes and from possessing fire-arms. He also advocated the use of the symbol ‘U’ for Hindu-Muslim unity in preference to “V” as “there could be no victory without unity”. The Congress is carrying on propaganda to population rise the ‘U’ symbol. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

17^th January 1942: 942: Pakistan Conference is held at Kambar. It is presided over by Pir Syed Hassan Bux Shah, landlord of Mirabpur of District Nawabshah. It is attended by G.M.Syed, K.B.Khuhro, Qazi Fazalullah, Agha Nazar Ali, Moulvi Muhammad Ismail, Moulvi Ghulam Rasool of Mehar, Moulvi Muhammad Ibrahim of Buthi, Moulvi Abdul Karim Menai, Moulvi Muhammad Daud Of Mahboob Tunio, Hakim Syed Ali Muhammad Shah Baqapuri,Moulvi Muhammad Khan of Aheri, Moulvi Syed Taj Muhammad Shah of Manah Tharrai, Syed Chhatal shah of Dargah Nourang Shah, Moulvi Abdul Karin Brohi, Wadero Ali Hassan, Hakim Abdul Rashid, Rais Mithal Khan Lakho, Rais Haji Dur Muhammad, Rais Muhammad Yaqub, Moulvi Muhammad Azim ‘Sheda’, Ghulam Muhammad Isran, Agha Ghulam Nabi and others. The event is an eye – opener for those, who do not see the role played by Sindh in creation of Pakistan. The event carry another lesson also and it is that the trio of Pir, wadero & Moulvi has brought Big Changes as desired and required by them.

17^th January 1942: The Muslim League branch of Ghather in Larkana District held a “Pakistan Conference” at Kambar in that district on the 17^th January. The main gate of the Conference was styled as the “Mahmud Ghaznavi Gate”. The conference was convened by Khan Bahadur M.A. Khuhro, M.L.A., ex-Minister, and Mr. G.M. Sayed, M.L.A., ex-Minister was also present. About 500 persons attended including 25 Hindus. Two significant resolutions were passed – one demanding that the Pakistan provinces should form part of the British Common wealth, like Burma, and another approving and welcoming the action of His Excellency the Governor in “tightening the control” over the present Ministry. The first resolution was moved by Mr. G.M. Sayed, the latter by Khan Bahadur M.A. Khuhro, who accused the Congress of dividing the Muslim M.L. As. In Sind.

. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

18^th January 1942: The Sind Provincial Trade Union Congress organized a procession of laborers on the 18^th January followed by a public meeting of about 350 persons under the president ship of Mr. N.A. Bechar, M.L.A., and protest against the alleged unsympathetic attitude of the East India Tramways Company towards certain demands, including a rise a wage, made by the workers. Srikant Kanthia remarked that people like Lieut. Colonel Hossack (Director of the East India Tramways Company) and Mr. Wright (Manager of the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation) were “Fifth columnist” who created obstacles in the way of the defeat of Fascist. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

In Second Half of January: Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow:  “There is a greater appreciation of the danger to India in all the sections of the press and the lending articles of rest and the lending articles of rest of the of the papers are mainly devoted to the discussions on the international situation. German prestige has been affected by the continued successes of Russia but the fear of Japanese offer for co-prosperity is treated with contempt. The debate on war in the House of Commons has been reported in full in all the papers and the comments have tended to emphasize the indispensability of Mr. Churchill. The “Daily Gazette” however remarked that the anxiety of Mr. Churchill to get a vote of confidence so that this enemies may have no grounds to say that he was not the accredited representative of the British people was not in in the true Churchillian style. It is generally recognized that Mr. Churchill speaks for the entire British nation and it is this conviction which has elicited unfavorable comments on Mr. Churchilll’s omission to make a reference to India in the war debate. The “Hindu” regards Mr. Churchill’s indifference as “callous”. The “Sind Observer”, commenting on Australia’s anxiety to strengthen the defense in the Far East, remarks that Indian troops should also be mustered at the frontiers of India although it also sunrises that Japan will try to consolidate its newly acquired territories rather than attack India.

Hitler’s bombastic, through somewhat apologetic, speech, as summarized by Router, has been published in most of the papers but without comment. Mr. De Valera’s statement that a Republican army is willing to help the Nazis has caused surprise but is apparently misunderstood. Anxiety is expressed over the recent successes achieved by Rommel in Cyrenaica and doubts have been expressed by some papers whether there will be any finality to the campaign in Libya. There is general sense of frustration at the continued impasse between the Government and the Congress. The Hindu papers commended the ratification of the Bardoli decision by the All India Congress Committee at Wardha and expressed a hope that a gesture of goodwill will soon be made by the British Government. Extracts from the “Daily World”, “Manchester Guardian” and the “Times”, on the Indian problem, have been published in several papers.

The interment of Mr. U. Saw, ex-Premier of Burma, has not been favorably received. The “Sind Observer” remarked that the reasons given for the internment were not convicing. The “Karachi Daily” observed that the speeches of Mr. U. Saw, although frank, did not betray any antagonism towards the British Government.

The news of the release of Allama Mashriqi was welcomed by the Press in general and the Muslim press in particulars.

The “Karachi Daily” and the “Hamdard”, of Mirpurkhas, have published letters condemning the behavior of the military at Fakir-jo-goth in Karachi district, Saburahu in Hyderabad district and at Mirpurkhas railway station. The letter in the “Karachi Daily” is worded in a very strong and objectionable language and the matter is under examination.

The “Tomorrow”, of Karachi, which is a weekly paper edited by Mr. Alim T. Gidwani, a Congressman belonging to the Forward Block has been issuing daily bulletins of late demanding the resignation of the present Ministry”.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

20^th January 1942: An eminent poet Gianchand Jethanand ‘Giaan’ is born at Sukkur and he migrated to Mombai after partition. [Gul Hayat collection]

22^nd January 1942: An eminent singer Jevni Bai breathes her last. She was born at Bhelwar, & Budhal Shah is breathes his last at Nawabshah [Gul Hayat collection]

26^th January 1942: Poet and Journalist Abdul Sami ‘Mahtab’ is born at Chak. [Gul Hayat collection]

26^th January 1942: The omission of any reference to the Indian question by Mr. Churchill during the recent debate in the Commons on the conduct of the War has been taken to indicate that there are no hopes of an early solution of the political impasse. The exclusion of India from the proposed enlarged war cabinet is resented and comparisons have been drawn between the political status of India and that of a small country like New Zealand. The Speechless of Congress leaders on the war have tended to deteriorate in tone. “Independence Day” was celebrated in Karachi on the 26^th January with considerable enthusiasm in the Congress circles. The celebrations began with a largely attended morning procession terminating at Congress House where Dr. Popatlal A. Bhootpatkar, M.L.A, President of the Karachi District Congress Committee, unfurled the Congress flag. The Forward Bloc had a separate flag hosting ceremony in the Khalikdinr

 Hall in the evening and the celebrations where the independence pledge was read and speeches made by prominent Congress Workers explaining the Wardha decision and emphasizing the demand of the Congress to secure Indian independence. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

28^th January 1942: There was a recurrence of telegraph wire cutting on the 28^th January when twelve telegraph poles by the side of the railway between Sarhad and Ghotki in the Sukkur District were uprooted and the wires cut.

The measures being taken to suppress the outbreak of crime in Nawabshah and Thar Parkar Districts have not yet succeeded in putting an end to the trouble and in two dacoities three more people have been murdered. It is not certain that all the murders have been committed by the Hur adherents of the Pir Pagaro but there is no doubt they are in the main responsible. Strong forces of police are in the affected area which is being rigorously patrolled and it is hoped that continued pressure will bring the outbreak to an end.

 [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

28^th January 1942: Today is Death Date of Moulvi Mir Muhammad Naurangi who was Religious Scholar & Freedom Fighter. He took part in the politics of the platforms of khilafat Tehreek and Jamiat-Ulma Sindh.[Gul Hayat Collection]

In the second half of January the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The continued successes of the Russian Armies with their great significance are at present completely overshadowed by events in the Far East and the course of the struggle with Japan is causing considerable perturbation; the threat to Burma and Singapore being regarded as of the utmost gravity. Attacks on India in the comparatively near future are thought to be by no means improbable. But with all this and in spite of the air raids on Rangoon and elsewhere in Burma, there is little enthusiasm for A.R.P and no increase in the number of volunteers for such work. The issue of a press note by Government recommending the carrying of identify discs by people in Karachi in order to facilitate the identification of possible causalities caused a certain amount of consternation. There has not, however, been any panic or sign voluntary evacuation from Karachi. Rommel’s latest flare up in Libya has caused disappointment as it had been hoped that he was more or less accounted for”. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

29^th January 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation and writes that Hindus Minister are supporting communal bodies like Rastriya , Swayas Sevak Singh. He name the Minister Rai Bahadur Gokuldas who attended the body parading in their uniforms and took the salute from them in presence of Meer Chindani, the District Magistrate. [D.O.No: 20/F.R.]

30^th January 1942:There was little Congress activity. The usual Flag Salutation Ceremonies were held in Karachi and Hyderabad. At a meeting of the Congress Committee at Hyderabad it was resolved to form a Volunteer Corps to help the citizens in the events of civil disorder and to work for inter-communal harmony.

The Sind Provincial Forward Bloc held a public meeting on the 30^th January with Mr. Alim T. Gidwani in the chairmen Resolution were passed protesting against the arrest of Mr. Sarat Chandra Bose and other Forward Bloc workers. Mr. Muhammad Amin Khoso, M.L.A., interrupted the meeting demanding that the meeting should be held under the auspices of the Radical Democratic Party. Mr. Alim T, Gidwani left the meeting but about 125 persons remained and after short speech by Mr. Khoso who said that those who opposed the war effort were enemies of India, a resolution was adopted assuring full support to the Government in their effort. Hashoo T. Kewal ramani, a student leader, who had undergone imprisonment under the Defense on India Rules for making objectionable speech has joined Mr. Khoso in advocating help to the war effort. Mr. Khoso has recently made a contribution to His Excellency’s War purposes Fund on behalf of the Communist workers of Karachi.

The Fidan-I-islam continue to sign the new pledge. An appeal was made recently at Hyderabad to the local Fidian-I-Islam to collect scarp and send it to the Scrap Collection Committee Hyderabad. The members of the Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangha continue to perform their usual parades in Hyderabad. The Sangha organized a special function in honor of the Hon’ble Rao Sahio Gokaldas Mewaldas Rochlani. Minister Local Self-Government, when three hundred members of the Sangha paraded and gave a salute to the Hon’ble Minister. No decision has, as yet, been come to on the question as to the action to be taken against this Sangha.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19^th March, 1942.]

31^st January 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 65 (Under Defense of India Rules-129 by Sindh Government) 07(Under the defense of India Rules -26 by Central Government) and 02 (Under Defense of India Rules-129 by the Central Government Total is 65

(b)   Prosecuted : 5(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 9(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 2 (Under Defense of India Rules-24), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-81) and, 1 (Under Defense of India Rules-90).Total is 19

(c)    Convicted: 34 (Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-22), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 30(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 38(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-93) and 1(Under Defense of India Rules-20). Total is 109.

February 1942: “Janam Bhoomi” (Sindhi Weekly of Mirpurkhas is warned for publishing false news regarding the announcement of the followers of the Pir Pagaro offering reward for the heads of the District Magistrates, Nawab Shah and TharParkar. [Gul Hayat Collection]

1^st February 1942: Religious Scholar Moulana Abdul Razaq Channo is born at Bahawal Shah. [Gul Hayat Collection]

1^st February 1942: A public meeting was held at Karachi on the 1^st February under the auspices of the Port Trust Workers Union to observe anti-Fascism Day. About four hundred persons attended. A resolution was passed assuring Government of full co-operation in the war effort and at the same time requesting for the grant of a war allowance.

The East India Tramways Workers Union held a meeting on the 1^st February and decided to refer the dispute between the Company and the workers to Government for the appointment of an Umpire. There is some unrest among the workers of the Dalmia Cement Factory owing to the dismissal of certain hands. The cause of the workers is being sponsored by Mr. Muhammad Amin Khoso, who has been selected President of the Dalmia Cement Workers’ Union. The Commissioner of Labor is enquiring into the dispute. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19^th March, 1942.]

2^nd February 1942: Journalist Noor Hussain Baloch is born at Atal Muradani. [Gul Hayat Collection]

2^nd February 1942: Poet Hidayatullah Shah breathes his last at Khahi. [Gul Hayat Collection]

5^TH February 1942: One hundred and twenty-six join Muslim League in Banguldero. The public meeting is addressed by Hakim Obedullah. The function is followed by the meeting of the branch, in which Moulvi Ghulam Yahya is elected as the Secretary of the branch1969: President Ayub writes to Nawabzada Nasrullah requesting him to invite politicians on his behalf and he will be available to start talks.

6^th Feb 1942: “Hindu” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) is asked to submit for press advice articles regarding personal experience of evacuees from Burma and Malaya. [Gul Hayat Collection]

6^th Feb 1942: Abdul Rashid Arshad writes to Liaquat Ali Khan the following letter:

 “Dear Sir,

 I had already request you to kindly send as any be respective of the Muslim League in Sindh to preach. The principle and doctrine of the League, you should know the fact that the poor village are acquainted with the name of the congress where as they don’t know what is Muslim League, and where it exists.

Few days ago I was quite glad that the deputation of Hon. Sir Nazimuddin and Nawab Mohammad Ismail Khan has come to Karachi, they will surely turnip to Hyderabad Sindh, but in vain and it was discouraging to us.

            So, I request you to very kindly convince the All India Session of the Muslim League this year in Hyderabad Sindh.

            In the end I pray for your long life and ever-increasing prosperity and further I pray that the Muslim League may flourish day by day and year light and their worthy shadow of your supreme authority.

            I am awaiting anxiously about your kind and encouraging letter.

With best respect.

I am, your loyal follower

Sincere

Yours most obediently

Abdul Rashid Arshad

B.A. ….

Shams Manzil Hyderabad Sindh”

7^th February 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation and informs him that Premier has been insisting for transpose of district magistrate such as of Nawabshah and Tharparkar but I have been dealing with the matter on my own and free hand. [D.O.No: 48/F.R.]

8^th February 1942: Singer & MucisianNari Sharma is born at Hyderabad and later on migrates to Ulhasnagar [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th February 1942: Singer Ustad Sendho Khan breathes his last. He was born in Amratsar [Gul Hayat Collection]

9^th February 1942: Poet Syed Jamal Shah of Goth Ilyas, breathes his last. [Gul Hayat Collection]

10^th February 1942: Social worker Detaram Walvani is born at tando Fazul and later on migrates to Ajmir [Gul Hayat Collection]

10^th February 1942: “Bab-ul-Islam” (Sindhi weekly of Hyderabad) is warned for intemperate writings in connection with the detention of Allama Mashriqi. [Gul Hayat Collection]

First half of February: The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sindh throw light on the law and order situation as follow: the measures taken to put an end to the outrages being committed by the followers of the Pir Pagaro have not yet had any marked effect and crimes continue to be committed in spite of the numbers of police in the affected areas and the vigorous patrolling being carried on. On the 1^st instant, a dacoity occurred in the Hyderabad District in which one person was killed and two injured and property Stolen. One Hur has been arrested in connection with this dacoity. On the 3^rd night, a party of 10 to 15 dacoits raided the village of Kamil Laghari in Nawabshah District in spite of the fact that an armed Police post of 1 Head Constable and 5 Constables was stationed there. The post, which seems to have been badly located, apparently allowed itself to be taken by surprise and was overwhelmed by the dacoits. Two policemen were killed and two seriously injured. The dacoits killed in addition a Hindu resident of the village and then made off with 5 police muskets, 3 bayonets, 100 rounds of ammunition, 2 shotguns and 61 cartridges and other property. Further dacoities took place on the night of the 8^th and 11^th resulting in the death of two persons and the inflictions of injury on 4 others together with loss of property. On the 11^th also the trouble spread to the Sukkur District and a part of 14 or 15 persons said to be in search of on Moulvi Abdul Ghani, who in 1938 had held a meeting condemning the practices of the Pir Pagaro, hindered 5 Muslims in a Masjid and 2 others in the street of a small village near Pir jo Goth, the former residence of the Pir, Again on the 12^th another dacoity occurred in the Nawabshah District in which 2 men were injured and property was stolen And added to these offences there have been further instances of damage or attempts to damage railway property 3 cases in which telegraph wire have been cut and the poles damaged.

The Situation is undoubtedly serious as the people in the affected areas are reported to be in a complete state of panic but with the whole of the country side unwilling through fear to give the Police any assistance whatsoever the tracing and apprehension of eh ascending Hurs who are believed to be responsible for the crimes is a matter or great difficulty. So far about 22 arrested have been made and it is hoped that this will prove to be first step towards breaking up the gangs. In order to encourage the police and to raise the morale of the local population the District Commander has arranged for demonstration marches of infantry in mechanized transport in the two districts. There is no doubt however, that very special measure must be employed and it is for this reason that the issue of a special ordinance has advocated.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19^th March, 1942.]

11^th February 1942: Forty-six Chinese of the crew of the cable ship “Store Nordiske” a Danish vessel under charter to the British Admiralty, ceased work on the 11^th February and demanded an increase of wages of 5 Pound per mensem and refused to resume duty unless their demand was conceded immediately. It was feared that the might attempt to commit acts of sabotage on the ship and they arrested under rule 129 of the Defense of India Rules and jail custody. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

13^th February 1942: Eight of the crew of the cable ship “Store Nordiske” a Danish vessel under charter to the British Admiralty were released on the 13^th February. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

15^th February 1942: The Sind Provincial congress Committee propose to recruit two thousand volunteers to implement the terms of the Wardha resolution. The volunteers are to be trained in drill and sent out to villages to carry the Congress constructive program among the masses. So far the response has been poor. Lakhmichand N. Kinger, who was previously convicted for the same offence, has made some very anti-British speeches in Karachi recently and the question of his prosecution is under consideration. The anniversary of Swami Dayanand was celebrated by the Arya Samajists at a public meeting on the 15^th February which was attended by about three hundred and fifty persons. At a public meeting of the Sind Provincial Hindu Sabha Working Committee at Hyderabad, resolution were passed condemning the Punjab Sales Act and urging the Government to recall forthwith Indian troops serving abroad for the defense of India. The Rashtrya Ghnayam Sewak Sangh, Hyderabad, continues to hold parades and carry out sword and ‘lathi’ exercises. At one of the parades, a speaker exhorted the people to prepare themselves for the protection of the Hindus. He added that as an organization the Sangh endorse the Congress policy of non-voilence. On the contrary, it considered the use of arms and violence necessary and legitimate for the protection and preservation of the Hindus. He added that the internal situation is very grave and that time was not far off when the Muslims will create civil disorders in India, endangering the life and property of the Hindus. Action against the Sangh is still under consideration. The Muslim League and the Khaksars remain inactive. Sir Abdullah Haroon, M.L.A. (Central) has appealed to the Muslim to celebrate the 23^rd March as Pakistan Day.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

18^th February 1942: Poet Hadi Bux ‘Misken’ and, Poet Syed Fatih Muhammad ‘ Misken’ of Tando Jahanyan breathes their last.[Gul Hayat Collection]

18^th February 1942: The Premiere of Sind return from New Dehli meets the governor of Sindh and discussed with him his discussions with congress leaders. [newspapers]

20^th February 1942: Social worker Bhagwan Kalwani is born at Tando Adam after partition migrates to Ajmir[Gul Hayat Collection]

21^st February 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation informs him that bodies like the Fidian-i-Islam , Rashtriya and others are busy in creating communal trouble between Hindus and Muslims.[D.O. No:77/F.R]

21^st February 1942: Thirty-eight crew of the cable ship “Store Nordiske” a Danish vessel under charter to the British Admiralty were released on the 21^st February and have been sent to Calcutta for repatriation to China under orders from the Government of India. They were paid their wages up to the date they left the ship and also three days maintenance.

The dispute resulting from the dismissal of certain hands of the Dalmia Cement Factory has not yet been settled. The Port Workers Union, Karachi, held a public meeting, attended by about four hundred persons, in which resolutions, assuring Government of the full co-operation of labor in the war effort and requesting Government to grant war allowance to laborers, were passed. The Karachi Electric supply Corporation Workers’ Union recently passed a resolution requesting Government to grant the same war allowance to the Workers in Karachi as has been granted workers of the Bombay Electric Supply Corporation.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

In the First half of February :Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The deterioration of the situation in the Far East and the Pacific in general and the last and critical press of the battle of Singapore in particular have been widely appointed upon, it being freely expressed that Singapore’s fall is imminent. The escape of three German battleship through Straits of Dover is regarded as very unfortunate and “a powerful addition to the German Battle Fleet which this spring is expected to give battle in the North Sea or against Russian in the Battle. (Sind Observer). Interest in the Libyan campaign has dwindled although the possibility of the Rome. In gathering sufficient forces to attack. Egypt is not altogether disregarded. There is little comment on the news from Russia. The assumption of military leadership by Nahas Pasha in Egypt has been welcomed.

The visit of Marshal Chaing-Kai-Shek has been acclaimed as an important event and papers of all shades have extended a hearty welcome to him and Madame Chiang-Kai-Shek. It is stated that the visit will lead to greater co-operation between India and China in their defense measures Japan. The “Daily Gazette” opines that Marshall Chaing-Kai-Shek would place India “under a deep debt of gratitude to him if he succeeds in persuading the Congress leaders to extend a hand of co-operation in this war of aggression even at the risk of having to withdraw all the legitimate and understandable condition imposed on such co-operation”. The “Hindu Sansaar” also prays that the Marshal may succeed in bringing about an honorable settlement of the questions.

The debate on India in the House of Lores was resort in all the papers and comments generally took the line the even conservative politicians like Lord Hailey realized the force of Indians demands for freedom. The “Muslim voice” a leading article under the caution “National Settlement” praised the frank statement of the Duke of Devonshire and his appreciation of the position of the Muslim League and expressed a hope that congress will not be appeased at the cost of the Muslim League. Nationalist papers continue to deplore the impasse adding that the absence of a settlement is a handicap to India’s war effort.

There is a general condemnation of outrage committed by the Hurs. The “Al-wahid”, a Muslim League organ remarks that if the Ministry unable to cope with the situation it is the duty of His Excellency the Governor to take dramatic steps to check the Hurs.

A reporter of the “Sind Observer” submitted a statement given by Miss Curie, who represents the New Yorks Horald Tribuno Syndicate and Allied Newspaper of London, on the set-backs suffered by Hitler in Russia which was passed for publication.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19^thMarch, 1942.]

 In the First half of February the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The Japanese successes in the East Indies have occupied the public mind to the almost complete exclusion of the rest of the war. The fall of Singapore was looked upon as inevitable and as portending grave danger to India and Burma and doubts as to the outcome of the operations in Burma have been expressed. Disappointment continued to be shown with the news from Libya. Events in Russia, although recorded in the usual cabled news, have not received much comment. The escape of the three German warships from Brest has also been regarded as a severe blow. But though there is much questioning, there have been no signs of any panic nor of any incarnation for the general public to enlist for the various forms of A.R.P. work.

Every effort is being made to induce further recruitment to the A.R.P. services and a number of meeting have been held one of which was a meeting of the City journalist on the 10^thFebruary at the A.R.P. School Karachi, in which an appeal was made by the secretary to Government, Civil Defense, to all editors to co-operate with the authorities in measures of Civil Defense and to do all they could to keep the morale of the people in case of an emergency. The Provincial Press Adviser took the opportunity of reminding the editors of Press Notice No. IX.

Mr. Hold’s worth convened an informal meeting at Government House on the 13^th in which the Mayor of Karachi, some prominent businessmen and representatives of the banks were present. There was a discussion on the measures to stimulate interest in the Defense Bonds and Postal Cash Certificates. The question of appointing a non-official Provincial Loans Committee is under consideration.”[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19^th February, 1942.]

In the Second half of February The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow:There has been a further deterioration in the situation in the Nawabshah and Thar Parkar Districts where the outrages committed by the Hur adherents of the Pir Pagaro have increased in number in spite of the fact that 7 Police officers an 454 other ranks of the Police over and above the normal strength of these districts have been on continuous duty in the affected areas, carrying out the most vigorous patrolling and investigation Dacoities with murder continue and the causality list for the past three months (December, 10 killed and 3 wounded; January , 5 killed and 11 wounded; February, 26 killed and 23 wounded) shows that the measures so far employed which have included demonstration marched by troops in mechanized transport are not proving effective. Thar is no doubt that extra ordinary measures are called for, the press of the ordinary law are of no avail. In view of the difficulties which have been raised in connection with promulgation of an Ordinance, Legislation is being resorted to but there is no doubt that measure which might have been effective two months ago will now be little use. It now seems probable that the extensive as of troops will be necessary. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

In the Second half of February Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The fall of Singapore has been regarded as a very serious calamity and a severe blow to British prestige. The coastal towns of India are now thought to be liable to attack from Japanese raiders. The papers, however, have avoided undue pessimism. The “Sind Observer” remarked. “All is not lost and the will to revenue remains as firm as ever.” While the general deterioration in the Far Eastern situation is regarded as one of the results of the “unimaginative” policy perused by Britain in regard to her Empire in the East, the implications of British reverses are ally recognized. The “Sind Observer” remarked: “The people of India and hoping and praying for the ultimate success of the Allies because in spite of Mr. Churchill and Mr. Amery, their future is with the “democratic Allies and not with the Totalitarian Axis.” The “Karachi Daily” hopes that Indians will teach a lesson to the Japanese what it means to disturb the peace of any nation. The “Hindu” remarked that Indians should be prepared to face the emergency bravely. Similar exhortations were made by all the important papers. The “Nizam” advocated the setting up of a “Volunteer Corps” and appealed to the rich to give financial in setting it up.

The reshuffling of the British Cabinet has been well received, particularly the appointment of Sir Stafford Cripps. The demand for a change at India Office continues.

The advice given to Britain by Marshal Chiang Kai-Shek in his parting message about the grant of political freedom to India evoked much enthusiasm. The “Sind Observer” regarded the Marshal as a “great ambassador of peace and goodwill.” The “Daily Gazette” remarked that Marshall Chiang Kai-Shek’s impassioned appeal for unity between India and China in fighting the aggressor will find a warm echo throughout the length and breadth of India. The Muslim press also praised the message given by Marshal Chiang Kai-Shek.

Almost all Karachi papers are writing about civil defense measures. The general criticism is that the public does not know what measures Government proposes or has already adopted to meet emergency. It is also stated that there is no co-operation between Government and the Karachi Municipal Corporation in respect of defense measures. The “Karachi Daily” goes to the extent of suggesting that the Karachi Municipal Corporation should be granted complete autonomy to devise measures for the defence of Karachi and that Government should only advise. All papers deprecate any tendency panic. The statement of the Honorable Premier to the effect that those who can leave Karachi conveniently may do so now, received much prominence and most of the papers endorsed the view of the Honorable Premier. The “Daily Gazette” published very prominently the statement of the Honorable Home Minister to the effect that so far there was no danger to Karachi. There is a demand that Government should issue a communicate stating clearly whether it wants people to leave Karachi.

A meeting of the Press Advisory Committee was called on 23^rd February, which was attended by the Hon’ble Minister, Home Department, and the Hon’ble Premier. The Hon’ble Minsiter, Home Department addressed the Committee explaining the harm which is done by defeatist writings and appealed for co-operation of the Committee in seeing that such writings were avoided. The members of the Committee stated that no paper deliberately feature defeatist headlines or wrote defeatist editorials, but that most of the news which came recently was in itself depressing and that the constitutional issue in India could not be divorced from the war. The nationalist press in Karachi, comprising mainly of four papers, the “Sind Observer”, “Karachi Daily”, the Hindu” and the “Sansar Samachaar”, takes the same attitude as that taken by the “Hindustan Times” and the editors of these papers put forward the same arguments for the expression of their views as the edit of the “Hindustan Times” did before the Hon’ble Home Member of Government of India. The Government of Sind have decided to take security from the “Sansaar Samachaar” and the “Karachi Daily” has been given final warnings. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

In the Second half of February the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The fall of Singapore and the Japanese advance in Burma have had a very depressing effect throughout the Province, but more particularly perhaps in Karachi City. Many disturbing rumors were current some to the effect that Calcutta and Madras were being evacuated. Returned Sind work merchants from Singapore, etc., have been responsible for some of the worst of them. So far, however, there has been no great rush to leave Karachi and the District Magistrate reports that evacuation has not assumed very serious proportions. There has been some evacuation by boat to the Cutch area and by train but evacuation by train has not necessitated the putting on of extra trains or even extra coaches. But more people may leave when the annual school examinations terminate on the 6^th March. The President of the Karachi City Muslim League and the President of Karachi District Congress Committee have jointly considered measures for civil defense and at the special meeting of the District Congress Committee on the 19^th February a sub-committee was appointed to collaborate with other organizations in such measures. Little interest is expressed in the news from other theatres of the war”. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

26^th February 1942: “Partap” (Sindhi weekly of Hyderabad) is warned for publishing the news item referred to above. [Gul Hayat Collection]

28^th February 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 38 (Under Defense of India Rules-26 by Sindh Government), 19(Under Defense of India Rules-129 by Sindh Government), Total is 57

(b)   Prosecuted: 2(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-81)= Total is 6.

In the Second half of February The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The criminal activities of the Hurs continue and there is no doubt, as I have personally explained in my recent visit to Dehli, that the outbreak will not be put down without the extensive use of military forces. There is little to add to the note I left with you except to say that the G. O.C of the western District is now in Karachi investigating the possibilities of such action. The latest serious outrage was the recent murder of the chief officer of the Khairpur State Police at Kenwari in the State. On receipt of the news all possible assistance was sent and arrangements were made in Dehli for the dispatch of Crown Representative Police Forces.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20^th March, 1942.]

1^st March 1942: Poet and PoliticianAbdul Khalik ‘Azad’ is born in Jumo Bhutto. [Gul Hayat Collection]

3^rd March 1942: PoetMuhammad Haroon ‘Udasi’ is born at Motani Mahar, Folklore Poet Faqir Muhammad Channo is born at Mahmood Khan Channo, Poet Faqir Shah ‘Miskeen’ Bukhari is born at Bori and Folklore Poet Talib Machhi  is born at Mian Waryal. [Gul Hayat Collection]

4^th March 1942: The Sindh Assembly passes condolence resolution on the death of Khan Saheb Pir Rasol Bakhsh Shah and Jamnalal Bajaj. On this day K.B Allah Bux Soomro presented the budget estimates in the house for the financial year 1942-43 also [The proceedings of Sindh Assembly, dated: 4^th March 1942, Pg. 4-13]

5^th March 1942: Poet & Singer‘Dargahi’ Merani is born at Hunbah. [Gul Hayat Collection]

5^th March 1942: There is little political activity to report. The Karachi District Congress Committee convened a public meeting on the 5^th instant at the Khalikdina Hall, which was presided over by Dr. Popatlal A. Bhootpatkar, M.L.A. Speakers demanded the unconditional release of all detunes and security prisoners. Mr. N.A. Bechar, M.L.A., made an anti-British speech in which he stated that Indians were being crushed under the heels of the British Government for the last 150 years, that the Prime Minister and the representatives of the British Government in India were no better than Nazis and that there was no difference between a German concentration camp and the Deoli camp. The Congress reactions to the Prime Minister’s announcement were on the whole favorable. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20^th March, 1942.]

6^th March 1942: While taking part in the Sindh Assembly G.M Sayed bitterly criticized the political role of Congress in Sindh. He says that: “The results of this short-sighted policy of the Congress are too plain to need a detailed description by me here. The Muslims in Sind Have been forced in spite of their many handicaps and hardships to realise that while on the one hand they have been reduced to poverty and deprived of their just share of the amenities and advantages that their numerical strength entitles them in this Province, the Congress seeks to perpetuate their slavery by claiming to speak on behalf of India, so as to achieve Hindu oligarchy when Britain parts with power”. [The proceedings of Sindh Assembly, dated: 6^th March 1942, Pg. 57]

9^th March 1942: Journalist Mumtaz Mahar is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

9^th March 1942: The president of Sindh Provincial Muslim League writes to Nawab Zada Liaquat Ali Khan. The text of letter is under:

“Dear Sir,

I have the honour to invite your special attention to the Resolutions Nos. 13, 14 and 15 (copy enclosed), which have been passed by the Council of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League at its meeting held on the 8^th instant.

Hari problems in Sindh

The Council of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League hereby resolves that the policy of the Muslim League in this Province in respect of the Hari problem shall be an follows:

(a)        Permanent and inalienable tenancy rights be conferred upon the Haris in Sindh, and,

(b)        In the future Legislative Assembly of Sindh that will be constituted following revision of the constitution, such number of seats shall be exclusively reserved for the Haris as may be due to them on the basis of their actual population in the province.

Note:  This resolution have been referred to the Working Committee.

In views the fact that in these times and under present conditions every country and provinces has been trying to conserve its economic resource for its own people and to make provision for future  in its population, this council lays down the following policy for its own guidance as also for the guidance of the Sindh  Assembly Muslim League party:

1.         Agricultural lands in Sindh shall not be given in perpetuity or sold to Non-Sindhis, whatever the circumstances:

2.         Recruitment to Government services in Sindh shall be restricted only to Sindhis and domiciled Sindhis expect in the case of experts when their importation for furthering certain scientific and technical projects becomes absolutely inevitable; even in this respect, the Government may lay-out and introduce a plea whereby, within a certain period, Sindh becomes wholly self-contained; provided that in order to prevent the positively of Non-Sindhis being stealthily or otherwise included in that category, the term “domiciled” shall be so defined as to include only those persons who have personality settled down in Sindh for more than 25 years.

Note:-  This Resolution was referred to the Working Committee.

This council of he Sindh Provincial Muslim League emphatically protests against the proposed assignment of Makhi lands to ree-sindhis on the basis of certain conditions which are act only unsound but do positively offend against the sense of self-respect on the part of the people of Sindh. In the opinion of this Council, importation of foreigners under these conditions would create fresh difficult proteins in this province and would at the same time fail to produce the desired results. The purpose for which these lands are being given to outsiders can be achieved equally well, by letting their original owners have them subject to such conditions as the authorities may deem necessary to impose.

Yours faithfully

President

SINDH PROVINCIAL MUSLIM LEAGUE

Napier Road, Karachi”

9^th March 1942:  World War II badly effected Sindh Workis of Japan Today in response to Question asked by R.K. Sidhwa, In Sindh Assembly, it told that following Sindh workis returned to Sindh:

Tokyo:-                                                                        

A.N.Banerjee, P.C. Burmanary, K.C.Dutt, B.C.Gautama, K.S.Kaisi, G.K.Khanna, J.Mehta, S.Swarup.

Yokohama:-

B.G.Walker, Mrs.S.Walker, Miss V.Walker, Miss H.Walker, Miss.G.Walker, Miss.M.Walker, Miss.A.D.Walker, Miss.O.K.Walker, E.C.Wood, Idanmal Lokumal Daswani, Mrs.P.I.Daswani, Miss G.Daswani, Miss L.Daswani, B.E.Daswani, B.E.Daswani, L.E.Daswani, M.I.Daswani, A.E.Daswani, P.D.Detaramani, Gangaram Gulabrai (Sakrani),T.K.Harpalani, T.V.Hathiramani, Jhamatmal Motumal Sabrenani, Mrs.Devi Jhamatmal, R.Jhamatmal, L.Jhamatmal, Miss.B.jhamatmal, N.Khanchand, Idanmal P.Mahbubani, I.L.Mahtani, Mrs.P.Mahtani, Miss.B.I.Mahtani, Miss.B.T.Mahtani, R.Mahtani, T.Mahtani, L.Mehtani, G.Mahtani, R.Mahtani, Mrs.P.K.Melvani, Miss.K.K.Melvani, Miss.C.K.Melvani, Miss.S.K.Melvani, C.K.Melvani, Miss.K.K.Melvani, L.Nebhraj (Chullani), Naraindas Tirthdas Mirchandani, Mrs. Isarbai Narindas, Mrs.Lachmibai Bhagwandas Mirchandani, Jethanand Naraindas Mirchandani, Kishno Narinadas, Ram Narindas, Purshotam Naraindas, M.R.Patel, Tolaram Assanmal, Udharam Bhavandas Raisingani, H.T.Utamchandani, C.V.Vaswani, Mrs.D.C.Vaswani, Miss K.Vaswani, C.Vaswani.

Kobe:-

A.W.Hill, Mrs.A.W.Hill, A.Arab, Cecil Arab, J.A.Farias, Mrs.J.A.Farias, L.E.Farias, James Robb, E.L.Vas, Mrs.E.Vas, Master F.Vas, Master D.Vas, Miss.S.Vas, A.F.Vas, Miss.L.Vas, Miss.E.L.Wilson, Mrs.A.F.Vas, Noordin Abdullah, Kunj Lal Agarwal, Ebrahim Hossen Amra, Ranchodas Dharshi Ashar, Master Ashar, Miss Ashar, Abdul R.S.Baig, Champaklal Motchand Gagnani, Mrs.Kamlagavri C.Gagnani, Vrajlal Hijri Bhansali, Husaini Dahwoodbhai Casubhai, Jotindronath Chakravarti, Vissumal Isardas Chawla, A.A.Chinwalla, Hossain Yusoof Dadabhoy, Abdulkarim Cassim Dama, Mrs.Khairunnisa Abdul Karim Dama, Miss Gulrukhsar Dama, Miss.K.A.Dama, Miss.F.A.Dama, Master Hamid Dama, Sadhi Gagandas Daryani, Dhunjisa Rustonji Daver, Manulal Ramkrishin Dave. Maganlal Ranchhoji Desai, Ratilal Dhirajlal Desai, Lilaram Detaram, Mrs.Gyan Lal Devi, Miss.Subhadra Devi, Miss.Krishna Devi, Chellaram Hernandas Dodani, Ramchand Hernandas Dodani, Shantilal Panachand Doshi, Lokusing Harusing Donsinagani, Sheikh Rahmat Elahi, Husani Dahwoodbhoy Cassubhoy, Esmail Abdul Ganee, Mrs.Fatima Esmail Ganee, Master H.Ganee, Miss H.Ganee, Miss.Z.Ganee, Dawoodbhoy Ghulam Hussein Ganevivala, Abdul Ghafur, Vallabhdas Goculdas, Shamun Abdulkayam Goga, Mrs.Safiabai Shamun Goga, Miss.Khatiya Goga, Shamdas Rewachand Gulrajani, Parmanand Hassaram, Goerdhandas Rupchand Hathiramani, Khemchand Sawalani Hoondamal, Nathermal Hotchand, Ghanshyamprasad Kahandas Inamdar, Gopal Srinvias Iyengar, Lalchand Jiomal, Pranlal Sundviji Kapadia, Tarachand Natumal Khanna, Miss.S.Khanna, Miss.K.Khnna, Miss.P.Khanna, Dawood Hoosein Khatri, Mrs.Janaki Krishnamoorthy, Miss.Janki Krishnamoorthy, Master.S.Krishnamoorthy, Krishan Kuma S/o Durgandas, Chetanram Kiwalram Lalwani, Aboobucker Abdul Latiff, Jivatram Karamchand Maharaj, Mrs.Parpati Jeshanand Mahitani, Miss.K.Mahitani, Miss.Mahitani, Master Mahitani, Narain Jethanand Mahtani, Girdharilal Chandiram Mahitani, Nasir S.Mamaijiwalla, Abdeali Abdul Hussein Mansure, Vallimohamed Abdulkarim Maskatiya, Taher Haidarli Maradali, Mrs.Bachubai (Jivraj) Mathuradas, Amritlal Jivat Maun, Peermalhomed Meralli Master, Mrs.Koolsumbahi P. Maherali Master, Miss.N.Master, Miss.S.Master, Master S.Maher, Miss.R.Master, Maganlal Dharamchand Menghani, Ramlabhaya Mehra, Mrs.Dhanvati Ramlabhaya Mehra, Master.K.Mehra, Miss.N.K.Mehra, Harbhajandas Ramitmal Mehra, Mrs.Dargo Dei Mera, Miss.S.Mehra, Sib Dayal Mera, Nashoomal Metharam, Mrs.Dhanmai Darab Doshanbhai Mirzan, Master.K.Mirzan, Miss.K.Mirzan, Nanoomal Kisoomal Mirchandani, Habib Mohamed, Casam Ali Mohamed, Sobhraj Chattaram Motwani, Thakurdas Wadhumal Motwani, Kiratrai Deomal Moorjani, Master Moorjani, Kishinchand Kiratri Murjani, Badridan Mohamidaly Musabhoy, Mandanlal Dwarkadas Musumdar, Hassanali Nazarali (Master), Mrs.Kulsumbai Hassanally Nazarally (Master), Mrs.N.N.Nazarally (Master), Miss.M.Nazarally (Master), Master A.Nazarally (Master), Miss.R.Nazarallay (Master), Jamshed Mancekji Nanporia, Nanubhai Kalyanji Pandya, Matharbhai Tulsidas Patel, Lakmishanker Harishanker Pathak, Abdul Sattar Ajij Panawalla, Prabhakar Jayaram Pitale, Gropaldas Ranchnoddas (Nathoo), Hussainali Maksad Rangoonwalla, Chandumal Dayaram Sadhwani, Mrs.Mathribhai Lalchand Samtani, Master K.Samtani, Master R.Samtani, Dharamchand Seth, Dina Nath Sethi, V.D.ass Sharma, Manohar Janardham Shroff, Bhagai Singh, Harbans Singh S/o Narain Singh, Harnam Singh, Rajnit Singh S/o Harnamisingh, Haroomal Sitaram, Mrs.Indravarti H.Sitaram, Master V.K.Sitaram, Ibrahim Tayabhai Songerwalla, Esmail Haji Suleman, Manishanker Ramchandra Vaidya, Mrs.Amy Hormasji Vasumia, Master B.Vasumia, Master H.Vasumia, Dharamchand Widge, Mohammad Mulla Yayabhoy, Mrs. Asma Mohammad Mulla Yayabhoy, Miss.N.Yayabhoy.

Makden:-

Miss.J.Henderson, Miss.I.Mackintosh, Miss.C.O.White, Mrs.Mohnibhai Lalchand Shahani, Miss.G.Lalchand Shahani, Master.G.Lalchand Shahani, Master B.Lalchand Shahani.

Yokohama:-

J.Gabaretta, Miss.F.H.Gabaretta, B.G.Walker, Miss.S.Walker, Miss.V.Walker, Miss.H.Walker, Miss.G.Walker, Miss M.Walker, Miss.A.D.Walker, Miss O.K.Walker, E.C.Wood, A.Arab, Mrs.A.Arab, Cecil Arab, J.A.Farias, Mrs.J.A.Farias, L.E.Farias, A.W.Hill, Mrs.A.W.Hill, James Robb, E.L.Vas, Master F.Vas, Master D.Vas, Miss.S.Vas, A.F.Vas, Mrs.A.F.Vas, Miss.L.Vas, Miss.E.L.Wilson.

Mukden:-

Miss.C.O.White.

Kobe:-

D.M.Young, Mrs.D.M.Young (Japanes), Aliens, Miss.K.Sato (adopted child of D.M.Young).[The proceeding of Sindh Assembly dated 9^th March 1942 pg.98]

11^th March 1942: Sind Legislative Assembly is told that “Seven seats are reserved for Sindhi male students at the Grant Medical College, Bombay, and four seats are reserved for Sindhi lady students at the Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Dehli. [Proceeding of Sindh Legislative pg. 21]

In the First half of March Sir Abdullah Haroon, M.L.A. (Central), President of the Sind Branch of the Muslim League, has sent a cable to the Prime Minister stating that the Hon’ble Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh had been installed as Premiere by the Hindu element of the Legislative Assembly and that he does not represents the Sind Muslims, repudiating on behalf of the Muslim the contents of the cable sent by the Hon’ble Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh and putting that the Sind Muslims were opposed to the proposals made by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru. The Sind Provincial Muslim League has passed a resolution holding the Hindus of Sind Provincial Muslim League has passed a resolution holding the Hindus of Sind responsible for the existing state of discontent and disorder in the province and suggesting the passing of agrarian and economics legislation to improve the condition of the cultivating classes. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20^th March, 1942.]

In the First half of March Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: There has been some improvement in the tone and headlines of the newspapers. There appears to be a greater realization of the danger to India and a greater appreciation of the effect of a negative attitude towards the war.

The attitude of press towards “China Day” was very helpful. Almost all the papers wrote editorials commending the part played by China in resisting Japanese aggression and emphasizing the unity of purpose between India and China. Even an extremist paper like the “Karachi Daily” observed: “The 7^th of March 1942 will remain memorable at least in the history of India and China, if not of the world, for an attempt by the British “Government to bring the two peoples of Asia closer “together” The “Sind Observer” and “Daily Gazette” brought out special supplements and the daily “Hayat” (Urdu) issued a China number.

The fall of Rangoon was received in a resigned and philosophical manner. The “Sind Observer” thought that “Japan has swallowed more than she can digest”. The “Daily Gazette” observed that “to depress the national “morale would be to deny the God in man and enthrone Satan.”

Mr. Churchill’s announcement on India has been received very favourably. There was a chorus of approbatior on the choice of Sir Stafford Cripps. The “Sind Observer” appealed to all Indians to make his mission “a resounding success so as to strike terror in the minds of enemies of India, who are proposing to invade the country and “force it into slavery.” The “Daily Gazette” thought that the change of heart for which the Indians have been pleading for so many years has come at last. The “Sansar Samachar” and the “Hindus Sansar” welcomed Sir Stafford Cripps’ Mission.
The daily “Hayat” observed that the appointment of Sir Stafford Cripps was a proof of the sincerity of the British Government in ending the present deadlock.

The central budget came in for a good deal of criticism. It was observed that no bold proposals of taxing monopolies have been put forward. The “Sind Observer” remarked that if a nationalist Government is formed at the center it will have to devise bolder methods of taxation. The “Hindu” remarked that no attempt was made to touch the salaries of High Government officials.

The “Hayat” in a leading article under the caption “Uncivilized Treatment of Indians” commented upon the speech made by Mr. Jumabhoy, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Singapore, at the meeting of the federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce hold in Dehli and regretted that indiscriminate treatment should have been meted out to Indians at a time when their whole-hearted co-operation is needed in the successful prosecution of the war.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20^th March, 1942.]

12^th March 1942: Public meetings arranged by the local branches of the Sindh Muslim league at Kambar, Dokri and Gatahar declare that they will not accept any move minus Pakistan.
1948: Karachi is declared as the capital of Pakistan. Kelat asks for three months to decide amalgamation with Pakistan.

15^th March 1942: Poet Laxman Dubi is born at Village Shar after partition he migrates to India. [Gul Hayat Institute]

In the First half of March the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The News of the fall of Rangoon was received much more calmly that that of the loss of Singapore. This was partly because it was generally held that Singapore was a far stronger position to defend than Rangoon but was also due to the fact that the news was received at about the same time as the announcement of the Visit of Sir Stafford Cripps to India was made. This announcement was very favorably received in all quarters and to some extent diverted attention from the position in Burma.
There are many more rumors current about events in Malaya and Singapore and there is a feeling that Indians in the Far East received less consideration generally than did Europeans. So far however, in spite of the uneasiness prevailing evacuation from Karachi has not reached any serious proportions although it has necessitated some strengthening of the existing train service of the North-Western Railway.

“China Day” was observed all over the province on the 7^th March. There were meetings at all the district headquarters and in the town at which resolutions were passed praising the resistance offered by China against Japanese aggression and condemning the civil intentions of Japan towards India. Processions of school children were taken out with banners and flags were sold. Approximately Rs. 18000 have so far been collected towards the China Fund”. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20^th March, 1942.]

In the Second half of Sir Stafford Cripps and his discussions with the Indian leaders are the main interest. Opinions, unfortunately, are colored very largely by communal considerations. The Hindus consider that the proposals will lead to the breaking up of the unity of India while the Muslims appear to be more satisfied, not so much because they consider the proposals as a fulfillment of their demands as because they do not seem to find favor with the Hindus. There is no organized public opinion in this provinces and further reactions to the Cabinet proposals will depend upon the decision of the Congress and the Muslim League. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of March 1942, 4^th April, 1942.]

In the Second half of March The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Outrages by the Hur Followers of the Pir Pagaro continue and fourteen crimes involving robbery dacoity, incendiaries and murder were committed by them during the fortnight under review resulting in the death of thirteen persons and in injury to twelve others. There was an attack on Bhitshah Railway Station in the Hyderabad District, some damage was done and Rs 105/- stolen and there have also been three cases of the cutting of telegraph wires. The most serious incidents was an attack  by some fifteen Hurs, reported to have come from Bahwalpur State, on the village of a rival Pir, the Pir of Bharchundi in the Sukkur District. During the attack nine inhabitants of the village were killed and five injured. Causalities among the Hurs are reported to be six killed and two injured. Special steps are being taken to protect the village as further attack on it is expected. 
As we had failed to secure assent to the promulgation of an ordinance to assist in dealing with the problem, a Hur Outrage Suppression Bill was passed in a secret session of the Legislative Assembly. The Bill is awaiting the assent of the Governor-General.

Government have now appointed an experienced I.C.S officers as Additional District Magistrate with an additional District Superintendent of Police in the three affected talukas of Thar Parkar and Nawabshah Districts and he will be in complete charge of that area. His first task will be to assess the position, for this he is being accompanied by a field officer from the regiment stationed at Hyderabad, and to submit his recommendations for operations against the Hurs and their strongholds. That his recommendations will involve the extensive use of troops is certain and the real question at issue will be whether the troops will be able to give sufficient help while acting in aid of the civil power or whether the promulgation of martial law will be found necessary. As far as information ‘goes at present, the odds are on martial law being inevitable.  [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of March 1942, 4^th April, 1942.]

 In the Second half of March Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The chief topic of interest has been Sir Stafford Cripps and the negotiations in Dehli. Practically all the front page headlines during the fortnight were in connection with his “mission”. The Karachi journalists were much disappointed at not being able to interview Sir Stafford Cripps on his arrival in Karachi. There was a tone of hopefulness in most of the editorials till the 30^th March when the Cabinet proposals were publicly announced. The papers are now waiting for a lead from the Congress or the Muslim League, as the case may be, before commenting in detail on the proposals but the immediate reactions to the scheme are unfavorable. Even the “Daily Gazette” in most respects moderate considers the proposals as a “challenge to India’s nationalism”. The “Sind Observer” regards the offer as “clever but clumsy”, although it concedes that the proposals are “liberal and generous”. The main criticism is regarding the reservation of defense and the clause permitting a province to remain outside the Union, if it so desires, “which may result at the Balkanistation of India after the war”. (“Sind Observer”) Muslim League papers have not commented so far.

The fall of the Andamans was expected but it none-the-less considered ominous and Ceylon is considered to be the next objective of the enemy. There is little interest in the news from Russia, Libya, etc.

Some papers have published leaders on the “Scorched earth” policy. The “Hindu” endorsed the view expressed by Mahatama Gandhi against the scorched earth policy in India and stated that the policy if pursued will be suicidal to Indian industries which are still in their infancy and also result in acute unemployment. The “Sansar Samachar” wrote in the same strain. The “Hayat”, a Muslim Daily, while commenting on the scorched earth policy remarked that the opposition to the scorched earth policy came from the capitalists who had already grown fat on the earnings made possible owing to the conditions of war.
There is a general complaint regarding the ineffectiveness of the Government control of prices. It is stated that while the price of the wheat is fixed at Rs 5/8/- a maund it is actually being sold at Rs. 8 or Rs. 9 per maund and that it is difficult even to secure good flour in the market. 
Owing to a strike in the “Sind Observer” Press there was no issue of the “Sind Observer” on the 27^th, 28^th, 29^th and 30^th March. The paper has reappeared from the 31^st March. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of March 1942, 4^th April, 1942.]

In the Second half of March the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Newspaper and other comment on the war has been so subordinated to that dealing with the presence and activities in India of Sir Stafford Cripps that it is somewhat difficult to gauge local reactions for the fortnight. But anxiety is still being expressed regarding the trend of operations in Burma and there is a fear, more or less general, of invasions. The progress of the war in Russia, Libya, etc. is receiving somewhat scanty attention.

Greater interest is being taken in A.R.P matters and a Civic Defense Committee has been formed in Karachi, including representatives of the Congress, the Muslim League and other organizations. The Managing Committee consists of fifteen members. Mr. M.H. Gazdar, M.L.A., Mayor of Karachi, is the Chairman. The Committee has not yet defined its functions or program, but it will be allowed to organize volunteers so long as there is no attempt to run a parallel A.R.P. Organization.

The Figures of Saving Bank withdrawals in Sind show that in the recent months the rush was largest in the fourth week of February when the net Savings Bank withdrawals amounted to Rs. 2, 09,237 as compared to the withdrawals of Rs. 6,528 in the corresponding week in the year 1941. There has been gradual decrease in withdrawals since then, the figures for the first, second and third weeks of March being Rs 1,26,032, Rs. 1,52,927 and Rs. 1,06,881 respectively in the first week of March, increased to Rs. 1,43,790 in the second week and dropped to Rs. 97,000 in the third week. Discharges in the corresponding weeks in 1941 were Rs. 45,407, Rs. 45,635 and Rs. 57,301 respectively. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of March 1942, 4^th April, 1942.]

21^st March 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India informing him that the Bill for the supersession of the Hurs has been passed by the legislative Assembly and it was some sort of great achievement. [D.O. No: 114/F.R.]

25^th March 1942: “Sansar Samachar” (Daily Sindhi of Karachi) is warned for depositing security of Rs. 1000/- demand under the Indian Press (Emergency Powers) Act, 1931. [Gul Hayat Collection].

26^th March 1942: Religious Scholar and EditorMoulana Abdul Wahab Chachar is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

31^st March 1942: The dispute In the Dalmia Cement Factory, referred to in my previous report, has been settled in the favor of the workers. The management have accepted the award, but there are signs that the trouble is not yet over. About twenty-five laborers of the Asian Flour Mills struck work on the 31^st March as a protest against the discharge of one of their co-workers. They resumed work, however, after a couple of hours, when the proprietor of the Mill pointed out to then that their action was illegal as they had given no notice of the strike to the management. About 400 copies working in the Government Timber Depot, West Wharf, Karachi, went on strike on the 1^st April and demanded an increase in their daily wages. They were replaced at once by the Military Technical Institute and N.E.D Engineering Works suspended work on the 30^th March as they were not granted the “Id-e-Milad” holiday. They resumed work and were allowed a half holiday.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1942, 18^th April, 1942.]

31^st March 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 47 (Under Defense of India Rules-8), 6(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 35(Under Defense of India Rules-129), 5(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-22),1 (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 31(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-45), 38(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-93), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-120)=Total is 133

(b)   Prosecuted: 2(Under Defense of India Rules-8) total is 2

(c)    Convicted: 5(Under Defense of India Rules-6, 39(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-22), (Under Defense of India Rules-24), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 31((Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-45), 38(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 4(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-93), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-120), Total is 126.

1^ST April 1942: Poet & ScholarDr.Bashir Ahmad ‘Shad’ Pathan is born in Shikarpur later on shifts to Larkano. He did Ph.D under the supervision of Dr. Dur Muhammad Pathan. It is worth note that his son Dr. Ehsaan Danish did Ph.D and Dr. Dur Muhammad Pathan was his co-guide. [Gul Hayat Collection].

2^nd April 1942: PoetGhulamRasool ‘Ghulam’ Jatoi is born in Sttardino Sangi. [Gul Hayat Collection].

4^th April: Research Scholar Dr.Arz Muhammad Unar is borin in Allah Vasayo,

 Writer Zahid Ali Magsi is born in Dadu. [Gul Hayat Collection]

4^th April 1942: There is a feeling of frustration at the unsuccessful results of Sir Stafford Cripps mission and there is little appreciation of the difficulties inherent in the situation. As usual the British accused of lack of sincerity. The Congress celebrated “National Week” by holding meeting and by carrying on street propaganda. References were made to the Jallianwalla Bagh incident and dissatisfaction was expressed at the proposals brought by Sir Stafford Cripps. The Sind Provincial Forward Bloc held a public meeting on the 31^st March to rejoice at the contradiction of the news of the death of Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose. The meeting was attended by about 500 persons and the speeches delivered were strongly anti-British and the anti-war. The Sikhs held their annual Diwan in Karachi from the 4^th to 6^th April. Resolutions were passed requesting Government to grant separate representation to the Sikhs in the Sind Legislative Assembly, on het Karachi Municipal Corporation and in Government services, and to recognize Gumukhi as a medium of instruction for Sikh schools in Sind. At the request of the local Sabha, the military authorities had permitted fifteen Sikhs of the R.I.A.S. and I.A.O.C to attend the Diwan. One of the speakers remarked that the Germans had invented weapons for modern warfare by following the teachings of the Vedas and the Sikhs, who were born to rule, were now selling themselves for 15/- each while a pair of bullocks cost Rs. 300.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1942, 18^th April, 1942.]

6^th April 1942: Religious Scholar & Freedom Fighter Moulana Muhammad Baejvi breathes his last. [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th April 1942: ActorKhealdas Golani is born in Bilawalpur later on migrates to Ulhasnagar.[Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th April 1942: Artist Molo Pamnani is born in Thatto later on migrates to Baroda [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th April 1942: The failure of the Cripps mission continued to provide a topic for discussion, but interest mainly centered itself on Mr. Rajagopalacharia. His statement caused a great sensation but while some sections of opinion praised him for his realism, the general feeling of the local Congress has been against him. It was generally expected that he would receive little support at Allahabad.

There have been the usual flag salutation ceremonies and the hackneyed Jallianwalla Bagh speeches, but little other congress activity. The Baluch League Working Committee has decided to raise volunteers and if necessary to co-operate with the Civic Defense Committee and the A.R.P. organization. Small public meetings were held by the Sind Forward Bloc and the speeches delivered were anti British and objectionable. A Sikh Diwan, attended by about 400 people, was held on the 13^th April and speeches were made on “Jallianwalla Bagh” and also on the Cripps proposals. About 100 sikhs military sepoys who were in mufti were present.

The Honorable Khan Bahadur Allahbakhsh, Premier of Sind, has proceeded on a tour of the province to inaugurate and organize the National War Front movement. He has begun his campaign with speeches at Jacobabad and Sukkur which apparently have been well received. It is hoped to make the movement a real live one.

The sudden death of Haji Sri Abdoola Haroon, M.L.A. (Central) is regarded as a serious loss to the Muslim League in Sind.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5^th May, 1942.]

14^th April 1942: PoetSyed Madad Ali Shah ‘Manzar’ is born in Mahota. [Gul Hayat Collection]

20^th April 1942: The Mirpurkhas Gazette (Sindhi weekly of Mirpurkhas) is warned the news regarding the damage done to ship building yard at Vizagapatam was not correct. [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the First half of April The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The Hur trouble continues and thirty three crimes of murder, robbery and dacoity were committed by the Pir’s followers during the fortnight. Fourteen deaths and twenty-one cases of injury resulted. The Special Additional Magistrate has taken charge as a preliminary has carried out a reconnaissance march through the Makhi Dhand reported to be the chief stronghold of the ringleaders of the revolt. An early report from his is expected but meanwhile, on his recommendation, over 700 Hurs have been arrested and confined to jail in order to clear the countryside of abettor’s sympathizers. Until his report is received, the general plan of campaign cannot be settled and our efforts are at present concentrated on strengthening our Police and in securing outside assistance. His Excellency the Viceroy and Governor-General has given his assent to the Hur Outrage Suppression Bill.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1942, 18^th April, 1942.]

 In the First half of April the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Local feeling is again somewhat difficult to sum up but although there is no sign of panic, there is no doubt that the general position in Burma and the apparent naval superiority of Japan in the Bay of Bengal as instanced by the attacks on Ceylon, Vizagapatam and Coronado and the losses suffered by our naval forces, have had a depressing affect and the fear of invasion looms large. But what expression there is mainly takes the form of regrets that the negotiations with Sir Stafford Cripps have failed to produce a settlement with Sir Stafford Cripps have failed produce a settlement which would have enabled India to put forward her maximum effort towards the prosecution of the war. Events elsewhere continue to excite comparatively little interest. Thirty-five thousand people left Karachi by rail during the period 1^st to 14^th April but without a detailed analysis of the figures of arrivals and departures, it is not possible to discuss the significance of this figure, there is most certainly no evidence of a general exodus from the city”.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1942, 18^th April, 1942.]

In the Second half of April The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The Hurs still hold the centre of the stage. Eighteen crimes of violence have occurred during the period under report resulting in 6 deaths and 5 cases of injury. There have also been instance of the breaching of canals and of the burning of crops. The securing of firearms is one of the main motives for many of the Hur raids and there is no question that the possession of a firearm is a positive danger in a vest number of cases. The police forces at the disposal of the Special Additional District Magistrate have now been reinforced by 6 platoons of the North-West Frontier Province Constabulary and by 2 platoons of Zhob Militia and further assistance has been promised from the Punjab. Thus strengthened, the District Magistrate is now pursuing a policy of clearing up the open areas of the affected talukas combined with rounding up operations in the Makhi Dhand. As a further preliminary to more intensive action, the Pir’s bungalow at Garang was raided in the early morning of the 30^th April and the Pir’s Family removed there from and brought to Karachi. This was done as the presence of the family in the heart of the Hur country was considered to provide a stimulate to the criminal activities of the Hurs which it was necessary to remove. The raid on the bungalow was without incident and care was taken to have a lady present to deal with the lady members of the family as they are purdah. Wide publicity was given to the nature of this arrangement by means of the issue of a Press Note. The bungalow is being searched prior to its complete destruction which it is hoped will be a step towards the eradication of the Pir’s influence. Government are now considering the further disposal of the family.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5^th May, 1942.]

 In the Second half of April the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “There is no marked change in the general attitude towards the war. The position in Burma is recognized to be exceedingly grave, if not hopeless, and there is much speculation as to the next move of the Japanese. Even so, however, many seem to be content to wait upon the Congress decision and there is little positive feeling one way or the other. Movement from Karachi has slowed down somewhat during the fortnight, but there is no doubt that a real scare might arise at any time and would lead to large scale evacuation of the city, especially of the Hindu element. As for A.R.P., the publicity campaign which was launched to stimulate recruitment has led to more interest being shown and the number of Wardens has increased to 720 as against 539 at the end of March last. The services as a whole are, however, still far below minimum strength.

The Karachi Civic Defense Committee met again on the 11^th under the chairmanship of Mr. M.H. Gazdar, M.L.A. a local Muslim Leaguer. It decided to collect subscription to enable volunteers have so far had little or no results”. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5^th May, 1942.]

Second Half of April: The Labor situation is definitely disturbing. There have been strikes or threats of strikes from the employees of the Lighter age Companies, Keamari, the Dalmia Cement Company, the East India Tramways Company, the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation, the Ganesh Khopra Mills and Tin Factory, the Sandal Shop workers (chaplies) and from sections of the dock workers. In some cases demands for increased wages caused the trouble but the main question being raised is that of advances to employees to enable them to remove their families from Karachi. This issue is being raised particularly in the case of the larger concerns such as the Tramways Company and the Electric Supply Corporation and it would appear probable that Government will have to refer the question for adjudication. The principal investigators of the strike in the Dalmia Cement Company have been challaned under the Defense of India Rules and their trail is proceeding.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5^th May, 1942.]

25^th April 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation and informs him that “there is genuine disappointment that the Cripps Mission was unsuccessful in Sind”. [D.O. No: 154/F.R.]

27^th April 1942: Freedom Fighter Haji Abdullah Haroon breathes his last in Karachi. [Gul Hayat Collection]

29^th April 1942: The Mirpurkhas Gazette (Sindhi weekly of Mirpurkhas) is warned to advise the Editor to avoid writing defeatist articles. [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th April 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 33 (Under Defense of India Rules-129)

(b)   Prosecuted: 9 (Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-20), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-22), 49(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 13(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 7(Under Defense of India Rules-81) Total is 79.

Second Half of April: Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The Press has concerned itself with the dangerous position in Burma and the threat of hostile action against India, but politics seem still to be considered more important than war.

M.Laval’s return to power has shown how helpless the Vichy France was. The “Sind Observer” remarked. However had a man Laval may be, it does not simply pay the Allies to make a present of him to Hitler. He and the aged Marshal have to be handled very carefully whatever their aberrations.” The “Daily Gazette” observed: Laval’s return to power has given rise to serious misgivings in Washington and Allied capitals”. The “Hindu” wrote, “The appointment of M.Laval as the French Premiere indicates that France will in all probability enter the war on the side of Germany. The “Hindu Sansar” remarked that the fall of France was indeed regrettable and that it would be difficult to find a parallel for France’s ignoble fall in the history of the world.

The news of the bombing of Japanese cities was favorably received. The “Hindu” Wrote “The bombing of the Japanese cities was only a beginning of an offensive against the Axis powers. “The Daily Gazette” observed: “The raid has been hailed both in America and England”.

Hitlers speech is regarded as apologetic, Commenting upon it the “Sind Observer” remarked “There is no doubt that he is a tight corner. His much published spring offensive is a gambler’s last throw: if it rails, it will mean not only the end of his political career but also the end of war for German. “The Daily Gazette” observed: “Reading between the lines the shrewd observer cannot fail to realize that Hitler is preparing the Germans for a further series of reverses”. It added: “The fact remains that the (Hitler) has seen the writing on the wall and is begginig at long last to lose faith in his own invincibility.”

The action taken by certain Provincial Governments against certain papers without consulting the Press Advisory Committees was severely criticized by newspapers. The “Sind Observer” remarked: “The fact of the matter seems to be that there is an all-in Dehli, not so much because of the fear of foreign invasion but due to the failure of the Cripps Mission.” The “Hindu”wrote that the action against the “Bombay Sentinal” , the “Partap” of Lahore and the “Yugantra” of Calcutta without regard to the Press Advisory Committee constituted a flagrant violation of the Dehli Agreement and advised the Government of India to seek the co-operation of the press rather than gag it. The “Hindu Sansar” remarked: We do not desire that irresponsible journalism should be tolerated but at the same time responsible journalism should not be suppressed. Where is the need of setting up the farce of Press Advisory Committees, when they are not consulted before any action is taken against newspaper?”

The Madras resolution favoring Pakistan had a mixed reception. The “Daily Gazette” and the “Al-wahid” welcomed the lead given by Rajaji. The former wrote: “A public known for its sense of fairness will not take long to realize that Rajaji is not the “Pakistani” his enemies unscrupulously make him out to be, but he is only offering a first class prescription to cure Pakistanis of their suicidal mania. He laughs best who laugh last.” The latter observed that Rajaji had given right lead to the country. The “Sind Observer” did not favor the Madras resolution and remarked: “We say it is more insane to set up a Pakistan which will lead to civil war.”[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5^th May, 1942.]

1^st half Of May:There has been little political activity. Dr. Gopichand Bhargaya, a Congress leader from the Punjab, made a tour of the province and addressed a number of meetings in which he stressed the constructive program of the Congress and the need of treating Hindustani as the lingua franca of the country. In some meetings he made anti-war and anti-British speeches.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20^h May, 1942.]

1^st half Of May: Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: While the English newspaper continue to feature the war news in their front pages, the vernacular newspaper give more prominence to the news of the outrages committed by the Hurs. The editorial columns of the vernacular press are almost entirely devoted to the question of internal security.

The Mauling of the Japanese navy in the Coral Sea has been greatly welcomed and occupation of Madagascar by the Allies has been hailed as very timely. Hopes have been expressed that the spring offensive of Hitler will be met by the Russians with the same determination and courage as shown by those brave people hitherto. The news of the R.A.F. attacks on Germany and occupied France has been welcomed and it is hoped that the raids will be kept up. The bombing of the eastern towns of Assam has not evoked very much comment.

The controversy regarding the attitude of Mr. Rajagopalacharia towards Pakistan continues, the “Sind Observer” and other Hindu papers strongly deprecating his move and foretelling his doom.

The National War Front scheme has received much publicity during the fortnight and the speeches made by the Honorable Premier and the Provincial Organizer, National War Front, have been reported in most of the papers. The only paper which has commented adversely on the National War Front is the “Sind Observer”, which remarked that there can be no national enthusiasm for the war till India’s political status is improved.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20^h May, 1942.]

1^st May 1942: May Day was celebrated by the Sind Provincial Trade Union Congress as well as the Radical Democratic Party. The former held a meeting under the president ship of Mr. N.A. Bechar, M.L.A., and some of the speeches made were anti-British. Resolutions were passed appealing for improvement in the conditions of service of laborers under the Defense of India Rules, requesting Government to appoint a tribunal immediately to settle labor disputes in Karachi and requesting Government to withdraw the cases under the Defense of India Rules against certain Dalmia Cement Factory Wokers. The Radical Democratic Party passed resolutions of an anti-Facist nature and exhorted people to help in war effort. It also passed a resolution asking Government to release the Dalmia Cement workers who had recently been arrested.

The Labor situation itself is a little easier. The strike of the Dalmia Cement workers ended on the intervention of certain members of the Radical Democratic Party when the workers were persuaded to return. At the Ganesh Khopra Mills and Tin Factory the Management have accepted all the demands of the workers. The Coal Stack workers in the Dock area went on strike, demanding increases in wages. They agreed to return on the promise of an interim increase of 2 annas per day and a final settlement by arbitration. About 150 coolies working in the various godowns in Karachi suspended work demanding an increase of pay, which was secured at the intervention of Mr. N.A. Bechar. Coolies working in the North-Western Railway Goods Yard demanded an increase of wages which was also secured.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20^h May, 1942.]

5^th May 1942: “Hindu Sangathan” (Sindhi daily of Sukkur) is warned for publishing an article in an objectionable language. [Gul Hayat Collection]

6^th May 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation informs him that Hurs are creating problem and cutting irrigation bunds and branches in respective areas. [D.O. No: 164/F.R.]

6^th May 1942: Nawab Zada Liqauat Ali Khan sends copy of letter to Yousuf Haroon, dispatched to him by Mr. Sri Prakash M.L.A. (Central) of Banaras

Sevashrana

Banares

April 29, 1941

My dear Nawabzada Saheb,

I am indeed shocked to read of the sudden death of my esteemed friend and colleague, Sir Abdolla Haroon. I can never forget his personal kindness and courtesy to me during the years we have been members of the Assembly together. The kindliness of his nature the charity of his disposition, the sympathetic attitude which he brought to bear on everything and his deep knowledge of affairs coupled with the childlike simplicity of his nature greatly attracted me to him. It is indeed unfortunate that the cruel hand of death should have removed him in the midst of his usefulness.

I write to send you and your Party my sincere condolences in your great loss. I shall also be obliged if you will convey my sympathy to the members of the bereaved family. I regret I know none of them myself personally and so I am unable to write direct. I hope you will please not mind this trouble.

Trusting all is well with you,

I am,

Yours sincerely,

(Sri Prakash)

7^th May 1942: Writer & Social workerGurmukh Sing Tahliani born in Karachi later on migrates to Ajmir. [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th May 1942: “Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing a misleading headline. [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th May 1942: “Hindu Samachar” (Sindhi weekly of NawabShah) is warned for publishing prophecies of a defeatist nature. [Gul Hayat Collection]

16^th May 1942: “Dukhayal” (Sindhi weekly of Larkana) is warned for strongly worded article under the caption: “A cursory review of the history of the National Week”. [Gul Hayat Collection]

16^th May 1942: “Hindu Sansar” (Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for writing an interoperate article under the caption: “In memory of the Martyrs”. [Gul Hayat Collection]

16^th May 1942: “Mirpurkhas Gazette” (Sindhi weekly of Thar-Parkar) is warned to advise the editor to avoid publishing anonymous letters received from the followers of the Pir Pagaro. [Gul Hayat Collection]

16^th May 1942: The Congress Committee, Sukkur, held a meeting to observe an Indian Mutiny Martyrs Day, the first time such meeting has been held in Sind. It was attended by about 150 persons. Speeches were in the main anti-British and gave a highly colored version of the Mutiny.

Dr. Choithram P. Gidvani, Mr. GHanshyam Jetharand and Mr. Doulatram Jairamdas, three Congress M.L.A.s , have been vehemently condemning Government for its inability to deal with the Hurs but the main feeling among Congress men appears to be one of complete bewilderment owing to Mahatama Gandhi’s solution for the ending of the trouble. The advice tendered has proved far from popular although it is said that one prominent leader is willing to live among the Hurs and attempt to convert them to non-violence if he is given adequate protection. The utterances, however, of the persons referred to above gave rise to some speculations regarding possible changes in the Ministry, but the reply of His Excellency to the Bombay Sindhi Association, which has called upon him to assume responsibility for law and order in the province, characterizing the Association’s proposal as retrograde and stating that there had been throughout complete agreement between him and his Ministers, has set these speculations at rest. It is reported that the Forward Bloc contemplate opening a regular branch office in Karachi. Tickets with some resemblance to one rupee and ten rupee notes and bearing the photograph of Subhas Chandra Bose have been issued by Alim T. Gidwani. They appear to be receipts for contributions to the Forward Bloc Swaraj Fund.

The Working Committee of the Sind Provincial Muslim League met on the 16^th May to elect a President in place of the late Sir Abdullah Haroon. There were two candidates, Khan Bahadur M.A. Khuhro. M.L.A., and Mr. Yousuf Haroon, and a split seemed likely in the League ranks. The trouble was tided over by the postponement of the election and it was decided that Khan Bahadur M.A. Khuhro should carry on the affairs of the League meanwhile.

[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 6^th June 1942.]

18^th May 1942: “Sind Sevtak” is warned for published the news of the forced landing of some American planes in Cutch which was in contravention of the provisions of clause 7 of the Press Notice No. VI of the press instructions for war. [Gul Hayat Collection]

20^th May 1942: Shaikh Abdul Majid Sindhi sends telegram to Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan informing him that “Working Committee and Council of the Sindh Muslim League Unanimously recommended Yosuf Abdullah Haroon for Central Assembly by election and in this regard your decision is followed in letter and spirit. [Muslim League Documents]

In the First half of May The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The “Hur” situation has very definitely worsened during the fortnight and the following crimes have been committed by the Pir’s “murids’ since my last report:-

Thirty-four crimes involving dacoity and murder (including two derailments of trains) in which 33 persons have been killed and 44 injured. Of these, 24 persons were killed and 27 injured in the derailment of the Karachi-Lahore Mail on the night of the 16^th instant and in the looting and murdering carried on by the Hurs after the train had been put out of action. Among the injured were 7 Europeans.

Six offences against railway property (including the two derailment on the North-Western Railway), one attack on a railway station on the Jodhpur Railway in which an Assistant Station Master was murdered and two cases of telegraph wire cutting.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20^h May, 1942.]

In the First half of May the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “During the past fortnight our local troubles the Hurs in particular, have monopolized local attention and the safety of life and property in the mofussil is apparently a more burning topic than the war. Consequently the struggle in Burma, events in the Pacific and what may be the opening of Hitler’s spring offensive in Russia have caused little comment. The prompt action in Madagascar has received general approval but there is no question that fear of internal disturbance in more evident than fear of any other untoward happening. The Hindus in the richer towns are extremely nervous especially about their money but they are not prepared to invest it towards the furtherance of the war.

There was a combined display of tanks, aero planes, and anti-aircraft guns at Clifton on the 14^th May 1942. It was witnessed by His Excellency the Governor and a large crowd of about thirty thousand people who seemed greatly impressed by the anti-aircraft firing and the bombing and machine gunning from the air of a dummy village. The aircraft employed included Flying Fortresses, Hurricanes, Mohawks, Lockheeds and Blenheims.

The Radical Democratic Party celebrated India Defence Week commencing on the 26^th April. Street Propaganda was carried out and five meetings were held. The speakers stressed the need for fighting Fascism and Nazism, supported the scorched earth policy, demanded arms from Government for the protection of the public in times of danger and exhorted the audience to raise volunteer corps in their respective localities. Movement from the city of Karachi has slowed down still further.

The Honorable Premier has completed his preliminary tour of the province in connection with the National War Front. He addressed representative gatherings in all headquarter towns and proposes to make a more extended tour later. Progress so far is encouraging”. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20^h May, 1942.]

13^th – 15^th May 1942: As a protest against the supposed inadequacy of the proposals for advances of salary to workers to send their families away from Karachi, ten employees of the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation have tendered their resignations and more are expected to follow. The general question, however, of advance to workers for the purpose of sending families out of Karachi is being referred to a Judge of the Chief Court for award. About 100 employees of the Dalmia Cement Factory met on the 15^th May and passed a resolution requesting Government to remit the sentences of the 20 workers sent to jail in connection with the last strike. After the meeting they decided to give up their associations with the All India Trade Union Congress and to join the Indian Federation of Labor under Mr. M.N. Roy. The speakers urged that if the Company failed to grant their outstanding demands, two months’ notice should be given to the Management and a strike declared. About 40 camel cart drivers employed in the New Ghali Godown struck work demanding higher wages on the 14^th May, but the strike was called off the same day as the employees promised to refer their case to the Manager, Transport Carriers Association. About 600 coolies working in the Government Timber Depot, West Wharf, Karachi, refused to work overtime on the 13^th May as the proprietor of the contracting firm was alleged to have assaulted one of the cooly jamadars. The strikers left the Depot and on the following day other men were engaged. Mr. N. A. Bechar, M.L.A., President of the Factories Workers Union has made certain demands on behalf of the workers from the Dock Engineering Works, Kiamari, which have been agreed to be referred to arbitration. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 6^th June 1942.]

In the Second Half Of May: Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The crimes committed by the Hurs continue to be the main news items in this province and news of the war is trained as being of secondary importance. The situation on the China front is regarded with misgiving, although events in Russia are still considered encouraging in spite of the loss of Kerch. Comments on the end the Burman campaign take the view that the army did the best that it could do in the circumstances. Mahatma Gandhi’s advice that the Sind Ministry and Congress M.L.As. should resign and form Peace Brigades was generally criticized and attributed to Mahatma Gandhi’s ignorance of the conditions of Sind. Only two paper’s supported Mahatma Gandhi’s ignorance of the conditions of Sind. Only two papers supported Mahatma Gandhi, the “Hindu” and the “Sansar Samachar”. The “Hindu Sansar” criticized the local Congress for resolving that Government should not have kept the Pir Pagaro in jail without trial. The “Sansar Samachar” published an extract from the “Vir Bharat” of the Punjab which implied that the Muslim League was responsible for encouraging the Hur Menace. The “Al-wahid” made a spirited reply to this charge ridiculing it and remarking that the object of the Hindu press is to make an apology for the inability of the present Ministry to cope with the situation. The “Al-wahid” holds the Congress responsible for the breakdown of law and order in the province. The statement of His Excellency the Governor on the Hur menace and his message to the Zamindars of Sind had a very good press and were approvingly quoted in the editorials of several papers. The “Sansar Samachar” criticized the action of the United Province Government in confiscating the security of Rs. 6,000 from the “National Herald” of Lucknow.

At a press Conference on the 31^st May, the Provincial Press Adviser explained the implications of Martial Law and exhorted the editors to exercise the utmost caution in dealing with Hur news. H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of May 1942, 6^th June, 1942.]

26^th May 1942: The Hon’ Secretary of the BHAIBUND SHEWA MANDAL Shahi Bazar, Hyderabad, Sindh sends the following letter to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah :

Mohamed Ali Jinnah Esqr.

I appeal to your aesthetic sense and fervently request that you will responsible to the call of duty and come personally to demonstrate to the world that your organization is equal to the task in the matter of their responsibility, irrespective of what you may feel within about our opinion about the separation of Sindh and its consequences.

In case you do accept my invitation, I shall be glad to make suitable arrangements for your stay in our town as I propose to do for Mahatma Gandhi.

Please be kind enough to wire me if you accept my request. Rest assured, we shall welcome you with great pleasures and pride.

I remain, respectfully yours,

Hon’ Secretary

Copy of letter

------ to Mahatma Gandhi

BHAIBUND SHEWA MANDAL

Shahi Bazar

Hyderabad, Sindh 26^th May 1942

27^th May 1942: “Hindu Samachar”, (Sindhi Weekly of Nawabshah) was asked to advise the editor not to publish exaggerated accounts of the Lahore mail derailment incident. [Gul Hayat Collection]

27^th May 1942: The President of the BHAIBUND SHEWA MANDAL Shahi Bazar, Hyderabad, Sindh sends the following letter to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah :

Esqr.

League,

Mr. Jinnah

I beg to draw your kind attention to the copy of letter enclosed herein which I have forwarded to Mahatma Gandhi yesterday. The communication speaks for itself and needs no further lucid on.

I personally do not be with Congress or any other organization save and except my own of which I happen to be an honorary secretary, I hope you will understand our anxiety to restore peace and order in this unfortunate province of ours.

I feel confident that it is only your and Mahatma Gandhi as presence which can bring about normal and healthy situation. The masses do not care much about other workers of any organization but easily listen to the heads; they are mostly illiterate and require some big persons to explain to them the difference between right and wrong.

Our country is at the present moment in a hope chaos and needs your immediate help without which there is no other way to save us and property.

29^th May 1942: “Nawa Bharat” (Sindhi weekly of Nawabshah) is warned for publishing an anonymous letter under the caption “Gohar Party will do havoc” as publication of such letters was likely to exacerbate communal feelings. [Gul Hayat Collection]

31^st May 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 1 (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 24(Under Defense of India Rules-129). The total is 263 and details of previously detained persons is 46(Under Defense of India Rules-26) and 217(Under Defense of India Rules-129).

(b)   Prosecution: 4(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-36), 21(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 24(Under Defense of India Rules-81). Total is 58

(c)    Convicted: 2(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 5(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 1 (Under Defense of India Rules-90). Total is 8. Whereas persons convicted previously are two three in number and details are 56(Under Defense of India Rules-8) ,1(Under Defense of India Rules-21), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-22), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-36), 60(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-45),65 (Under Defense of India Rules-52), 31(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 2((Under Defense of India Rules-93) and 1(Under Defense of India Rules-120).

1^st- 13^th June 1942: There have been a number of desultory strikes during the fortnight. On June 1^st, a meeting of about one hundred and fifty dock workers took place at Keamari where laborers were exhorted to join the Dock Workers Union in order to secure the grant of war allowance. On June 3^rd, about 300 casual laborers, who were operating American cargo, ceased work and demanded an increase in their daily wages fro, annas 12 to Rs. 1/4. At the advice of one M.A. Khatib, who informed them that their action was illegal and that they should have given a notice before resorting to strike, they resumed work the following day. Some workers of the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation gave notice to the company on June 3^rd, demanding an increase in pay and great of an advance of three months’ pay to send their families away from Karachi. The Manager promised to grant the advance the said that the question of raising their pay would be considered later. On this the employees withdrew their notice. A Domestic Servants Union has been formed under the leadership of Mr. N. A. Bechar, M.L.A., and Kazi Muhammad Mujataba to represent the grievances of domestic servants in Karachi to the authorities and to get them a minimum wage of Rs. 25/- per mensem and a month’s leave with pay in a year. As a result of the fines inflicted for offending traffic laws and alleged harassment by the Police, the local gharriwallas went on a strike on June 13^th, which was called off on the next day at the intervention of the authorities.  [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]

4^th June 1942: Founder SGADr.Muhammad Suleman Shaikh born in Hala. [Gul Hayat Collection]

4^th June 1942: “Sind Observer” The editor was asked For not to publish the day-to-day temperature of Karachi. [Gul Hayat Collection]

6^th June 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation informs him that the dissension in the local branch of the Muslim League for the over the election of President has its amusing side. While Yosuf Haroon sought to be aged out of this post on the ground of his immaturity and in experiences, he has at the same time been elected by the Muslim League fittest candidate to context his father’s seat as M.N.A in the central Assembly. [D.O. No: 204/F.R.]

11^TH June 1942: “Sindhi” (Weekly Sindhi of Sukkur) The District Press Adviser, Sukkur, was askedto advise the editor to refrain the editor to refrain from writing inflammatory article standing to embitter communal feelings. [Gul Hayat Collection]

12^th June 1942: Artist Kanayo Roopani is born in Tharo Shah Later on shifts to Ahmadabad. [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th June 1942: Artist Kanaya Lal Methwani is born in Jaipur. [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the First half of June Congress members in Sind seem to be in a state of considerable confusion. Dr. Choithram the local President and Mr. R. K. Sidhva, the leader of the Congress party in the Assembly, have for a long time been bitter enemies, but at the moment feelings between them are more strained than ever. It appears that Dr. Choithram wishes congress M.L.As. to resign from the Assembly in accordance with Mahatama Gandhi’s advise while Mr. Sidhva and his followers are anxious to cling to their membership as long as possible. At present they are awaiting the promised visit Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who it is known, does not agree with the Mahatma’s advice on the attitude Congressmen should adopt towards the Hurs, and they are hoping he will be able to settle their difference, particularly that regarding the question whether the Congress should continue to support the present Ministry. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]

In the First half of June The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The Press was Imaninmous in welcoming the promulgation of Martial Law. It was considered a wise and courageous – though belated – step on the part of Government. While analyzing the circumstances leading to the declaration of Martial law, most of the papers have condemned the Sind Police. The “Sind Observer” dubbed it as “inefficient, corrupt, and communal”.
There is some dissatisfaction at the way in which the official news about the Hur operations is issued. The Press expected daily or at least bi-weekly ‘communiqués’ on the Hur operations. The Provincial Press Adviser is not in a position to confirm any news concerning the Hurs received from private sources in the area under Martial Law and when he is consulted advises against its publication. There is general demand for daily ‘communiqué’ on the Hur operations.

The visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester received very full publicity. Both the “Daily Gazette” and the “Sind Observer” splashed it on their front pages and wrote editorials welcoming His Royal Highness. The “Daily Gazette” regarded the visit as a goodwill mission and saw in it an attempt to approach the Indian question from a new angle in spite of the “flamboyant self-confidence of Sir Stafford Cripps”. The “Karachi Daily” opined that the visit will create confidence among the people of India as to their defenses. 
The heavy raids on Cologne and Essen were welcomed and received banner headlines. The situation at Sebastopol is regarded as critical. Comments on the resumption of operations in Libya express uncertainty as to the result of the battle.
The news of the proposed movement of Mahatma Gandhi has not received any prominence, although extracts from the “Harijan” have been published in Congress papers. The “Hindu Sansar” reproduced an article from the “Riyasat” of Dehli, dated the 1^st June 1942, under the caption: “Prevent India from becoming another Burma.” The article, which is defeatist in tone, quotes General Alexander and states that the loyalty of Burmans to the British and exhorts the British Government to confer political independence on India.
The speeches of President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill on the celebration of the “United Nations Flag Day” received due publicity. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]

In the First half of June The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Hurs the proclamation of Martial Law on Junes 1^st in the area effected by the operations of the Hurs came on the whole as a relief to the inhabitants of the area, but there is now a certain amount of protest developing against such orders as the Curfew Order and those calling in areas. In particulars, the Curfew Order makes the irrigation of land for cultivation purposes extremely difficult. This question is under examination by the martial law authorities and the Public Works Department and it is hoped to devise a system which will enable the water distribution to be carried on without offending the terms of the order. Steps are also being taken for protective measures in outlying villages by allowing arms for defenses purposes provided ‘Morchas’ are built and the arms taken charge of by responsible persons. This should do much to remove the grievances caused by calling in areas. 
Outrages have continued and during the fortnight 18 crimes of murder, dacoity and robbery involving 11 deaths and 14 cases was that in which a P.W.D Sub-Divisional Officer on duty near the Makhi Dhand area was set upon and killed and in another, which incidentally did not occur in the martial law area, 2 persons armed with pistols boarded a train on the Jacobabad-Kashmir line, held up the passengers of one compartment, including 3 Tapedars, and robbed them of Rs. 3,500, Rs. 3,330 of which represented Government Land Revenue collections. While leaving they shot one of the Tapedars. There is, however, something to set on the other side. Dacoits attempting to raid Perumal village in Thar Parkar Districts, where the late Seth Sitaldas, M.L.A., lived, encountered an unexpected resistance and 4 of them were killed by gun fire. Also following the repulse of the raiders, 19 Hurs concerning in the actual raid or rounded up for harboring and abetment were arrested, tried under Martial Law and hanged on June 10^th, while a party of soldiers and Police have at last succeeded in arresting Ahmed son of Hussain, wanted for taking part in the murder of Pir Fateh Ali Shah last October, and other crimes. His capture should be a severe blow to the Hurs operating in the SUkkur Districts.

As in natural, there is a considerable demand for news from the martial law area and as publicity for important captures, etc. could only but have beneficial results it is suggested that the issue of a daily ‘communiqué’ to the Press is advisable. At present such ‘communiqués’ are very few and far between. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]   6^th June 1942: Martial Law was imposed in eastern part of Sindh to curb Hur Movement on 1st of June 1942, and Sindh Press started opposing this act of high handed ness besides advising people to avoid un-due differences with martial law authorities. Monthly ‘Touheed’, Karachi, edited by Moulana Din Muhammad Wafai has touched the matter in course of its editorial, today.[Gul Hayat Collection]

In the First half of June the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The German drives in Russia and the resumption of the struggle in Libya have quickened interest in the war news and there is some expression of anxiety in respect of both these theatres of war. It is realized that the Russian Armies are facing a very critical situation and that the immediate result of the Libya battle is uncertain. China is thought also to be in considerable danger of being put out of the war. On the other hand it seems to be generally held that the threat to India from Japan has received and it is hoped that the result of the attack on Midway Island coupled with that of the Coral Island battle will be to postpone, if not preclude, any attempt at a sea-Berne invasion. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]

16^th June 1942: We are not going to walkout of India right in the middle of the war, though we have no wish to remain there for any imperialistic reasons’, says Sir Stafford Cripps in interview in London. (Source: The Indian Annual Register, Vol-1, 1942).

17^th June 1942: Acting president of the Sindh Provincial Muslim Leagues sends the following letters to editors of various newspapers

Dear Sir,

I enclose a copy of the Resolution of the Working Committee Sindh Provincial Muslim League, on the present political situation in the province, with a request that you will please publish it in your esteemed paper in full.

“The working committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League has given its most earnest and serious consideration to the circumstances leading up to and the situation arising from the declaration on the 1^st of June 1942 of Martial Law in more than half the Province and deems it its duty to take the necessary steps  to safeguard:

(1)        the constitutional rights of the people;

(2)        the economy of the Province; and

(3)        the civic rights of the citizens,

All of which, in the opinion of the Committee have been seriously infringed, threatened or affected. The Committee records here below its conclusions and appoints the following four of its members, namely: (1) K. B. Muhammad Ayub Khuhro,

(2) Shaikh Abdul Majid,

(3) Mr. Muhammad Hashim Gazder, &

(4) Mr. G. M. Sayed,

To wait upon H. E. the Governor of Sindh and discuss with him the issues involved.

The following are seems of the consequences of the extra ordinary step that has been taken by the authorities in promulgating Martial Law:

(i)            Complete breakdown of civil administration

(ii)          Resort to Martial Law all at once in such a large area in the hope of retrieving the situation;

(iii)        Serious likelihood of dislocation of the economic life of the Province and the inevitable consequences bordering upon a general famine, as a result of the operation of Martial Law on the lines on which it is being at present enforced; and

(iv)        Apprehension of Martial Law being extended to the remaining parts of the Province thereby making conditions still worse.

2.         In the opinion of this Committee, this disastrous crisis is the inevitable ----come of the anti-Muslim and unscrupulous policy of exploitation followed by the present ministers, resulting in a long chain of events that have been taking place during the period they have held the reins of Sindh administration. The Ministers have thereby given an indisputable proof of their incompetence and complete failure to maintain law and order.

3.         It is common knowledge that throughout their regime, the Ministers have taken no steps to alleviate the causes of the growing discontent amongst the masses or to reform their methods of administration, with the result that the situation has been steadily deteriorating. Finding themselves faced with the growing discontent and the serious consequences of their aimless policy which was solely directed against the best interests of the masses, the Ministers have now resorted to Martial Law and thereby surrender no less than half the Province to Military rule. The Committee is strongly of the opinion, which is shared by a very large and ever increasing section of the population, that the Ministers having been confounded by the growing number of murders, dacoities and other acts of lawlessness were compelled in their bewilderment and to save their face to take this action. As far as this Committee is aware, in the history of Provincial Governments in British India, this unhappy Province is the first to have achieved the invidious distinction of having more than half of its area subjected to Martial Law, while the so-called popular Ministers continue to retain their office. There are extensive provisions of the existing laws including the all embracing defense of India Rules that are calculated to be adequate to meet even such an abnormal situation as is created by war conditions, on the other hand the Government of India Act, 1935, lays down several provisions for effectively dealing in almost every conceivable manner with a situation that appears seriously to threaten the peace and tranquility of the Province. In spite of all this, the present Government have deemed it fit to promulgate Martial Law and thereby deprive the larger part of the very people from whom they are supposed to derive their present position as Ministers, of their fundamental rights. The position militates against the constitutional law and is quite incompatible with the very sprit of Provincial Autonomy. It is really strange that such a drastic and desperate stop should have been taken without sacking previous arrangements to see that the vast numbers of people whose fundamental rights were thereby going to be so seriously invaded were duly instructed and prepared in regard to the handicaps and hardships inevitable to the operation of martial law. It was further necessary to restrict the operation to only such a small area as was absolutely essential for the purpose in view and at the same time to ensure that the daily rounds of the peoples’ activities connected with their lawful livelihood were not interfered with and as far as humanly possible no innocent people were victimized. But the Committee regret to observe that no such precautions were taken. Even if the need for promulgation of Martial Law was real, the committee feels that if the present Ministers had any the slightest regard to the popular feeling or felt in any manner responsible to the people at large, they would have at the most sought military assistance without placing such a vast area all at once under the military rule, just as it had been done during the unfortunate Sukkur riots. But the hot haste with which a measure of such a drastic nature was precipitated upon the entire population in this vast area, in itself betrays a sad lack of sense of responsibility and unmakes the hollowness of their representative character. Standing as the Ministers therefore do so thoroughly self-condemned and exposed, this Committee which voices the feelings of the entire Muslim population of the Province when it emphatically urges upon H.E. the Governor to end this travesty of Provincial Autonomy and relieve the present Ministers of their office to which they have forfeited every possible.

4.         In view of the above, it is the earnest request of this Committee that H. E. the Governor of Sindh will be pleased:

(a)    to convene immediately a session of the Sindh Legislative Assembly to consider the problems of vital nature above referred to:

(b)      to appoint a Court of Inquiry to investigate and report upon the causes responsible for the failure of the present Ministers and their administration that led to the necessity of promulgation of Martial Law, without having tried the various remedies provided under the Government of India Act and the Defence of India Rules:

(c)    to take stops to see that Martial Law is so administered that while it enables to effectively deal with the turbulent and guilty elements it does not restrict the Lawful pursuits of agriculturists or the carrying out of legitimate activities of constructional nature and the exercising of civic rights by peace-loving and law-abiding citizens.

5.         The Committee further deems it necessary to draw the attention of the authorities to the handicaps of the citizens occasioned by the operation of Martial Law in the affected areas in particular so as to make it possible for agricultural operations to continue unhampered, as otherwise there is a serious danger to the economy of the Province which may be so adversely affected as to create a situation that may bring a wide-spread ruin upon the entire Province. Side by side with this, the Committee urges the necessity of suitable amending, relaxing or rescinding the restrictions imposed upon the population under the provisions of Martial Law so as to enable the people to carry on their social activities of peaceful nature and at the same time to enable the recognized political bodies to carry on their constitutional propaganda and organization work, especially when a bye-election for the Central Assembly seat is shortly to take place. Some of the difficulties which are being experienced by the people now and which need to be remedied immediately are the following:-

(a)    The ferries on the river be opened to traffic with suitable provisions to check the movements of undesirable persons so as to permit agriculturists, fire-wood sellers, cattle-owners and others whose livelihood makes it necessary to use the ferries.

(b)        The night movements of agriculturists be permitted in order to enable them to irrigate their fields if their turn for water happens to be fixed during night-hours or if they have to work their Parsian-whools for Jomar and other food-crops in lift lands or in non-barrage areas.

(c )       The carrying and use of hatchets and other implements necessary for agricultural operations be made possible.

(d)        The restrictions imposed upon the assemblage of five or more persons be suitably amended so as to permit the carrying out of agricultural operations such as canal-clearance division of crops, sloughing, transplantation, harvesting, etc. and performance of social duties connected with marriages, deaths, etc.

(e)        The order regarding wholesale disarming of people at one and the same time through the vast area now under the Military should be modified with suitable precautions to ensure their rightful use, as otherwise the bad characters may be able to carry on their unlawful activities without any fear of armed resistance from the disarmed population. In such village where the population exceeds 500 souls, at least six or more guns be permitted to be retained by the people for protection of the villages and towns according to the population of each such village or town. Complete disarming of the civil population will, in the opinion of the committee, create chaotic conditions and a very difficult situation in the mofussil, particularly when it may not be possible for the Military authorities to arrange their own patrol for each and every village, in such a vast area over twenty thousand square miles, controlled by them.

(f)        Those persons in this area who had a genuine cause of fear due to personal enmity and were therefore granted extra or special gun licenses by the civil authorities for the protection of not only their own person and property but also of their localities should be restored their arms and encouraged to render assistance to the police authorities or be provided with military or police guard at their own expense;

(g)        Where arms cannot be restored, effective protection for immediate aid in time of danger must be made;

(h)        With a view to achieving quick results, the restrictions and hardships inevitable upon the operation of Martial Law should be applied only to those areas which are the source of trouble. The area should therefore be confined only to (1) Shahdadpur and Sinjhoro Talukas of Nawabshah District and (2) Sanghar and Khipro Talukas of Thar & Parkar District and (3) Mirpur Mathelo and Ubauro Talukas of Sukkur District, (4) to the area within one mile on each side of the Railway line between Kotri and Reti on the K.W. Ry. And Khokharpar and Hyderabad Sindh on the J. Railway, (5) to the left bank of the river to check the traffic on the ferries and across the river, (6) the eastern border to check the movements of dispicious characters to and from the states of Jaisalmere and Jodhpur.

(i)         Local Advisory Committee be set up to advise and collaborate with the Military authorities in the course of their duties so as to eliminate the possibility of harassment of innocent persons through the machinations of local subordinate Police upon whose advice the Military may have to depend, being unaware of local conditions and approaches to cut-of-way places to be visited by them in the course of their rounds:

(j)         Large numbers of people who seek to migrate from the affected areas to places of their permanent residence or for personal safety or convenience may be enabled to do so, especially these who move each season across the river for harvest work in the Barrage areas and return to their homes on the close of the harvest; also those traders and their agents from Karachi who have to bring cattle by ----- across the river from the affected areas for the supply of neat and milk to the urban population of Karachi and Hyderabad be afforded easy and safe passage including the use of ferries to safeguard them from loss of money or personal inconvenience and also to ensure the regular supply of these needs of the urban population.

The Working Committee further resolves that a copy of this Resolution may be forwarded to:

(1)        The President All India a Muslim League.

(2)        The Private Secretary to H. E. the Governor of Sindh.

(3)        The Private Secretary to H.E. the Viceroy and Governor-Coronal of India, and

(4)        The Secretary of State for India.”

20^th June 1942: Singer Teyon Faqir is born in Khando. [Gul Hayat Collection]

20^th June 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation informing political party they are exploiting the situation created by Martial Law promulgated in some parts of Sindh. [D.O. No: 218/F.R.]

22^nd June 1942: The labor situation has been quieter. There was only one strike during the fortnight under report – that of about hindered workers of Sind Flour Mills who went on strike on the 22^nd June as a protest against the management dispensing with the services of an engineer. The strikers were informed that the strike was illegal and they resumed work, but have since given a regular strike notice. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 4th July, 1942.]

27^th June 1942: The visit of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad has been postponed. Congressmen are discussing the proposed campaign of Mahatma Gandhi and intend to raise volunteers in Karachi if and when the campaign is inaugurated, although it is generally believed that in the event of a campaign being launched, Sind will be excluded in view of its internal troubles.
The Muslim League Civic Defense Delegation, consisting of Nawab Muhammad Ismail, Mr. Khaliq-uz-zaman and Kazi Muhammad Isa, arrived in Karachi on the 27^th June and left on the 29^thJune. They addressed a well-attended meetings at the Khalikdina Hall, in which the Congress leaders were attacked and the goal of Pakistan re-affirmed. It is understood that the delegation advised the Muslim League M.L.As to co-operate with the authorities in the measures of Civil Defense. The Working Committee of the Sind Provincial Muslim League passed a lengthy resolution on the promulgation of the Martial Law which is directed more against the Ministry than against Martial Law itself. The Committee was of the opinion that there was no justification whatsoever for the existence for Martial Law in Sind.

 [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 4th July, 1942.]

28^th June 1942: In his paper ‘Harijan’, Mahatma Gandhi writes under the heading ‘The Hurs in Sindh’, as under:
“I have no doubt if I could have gone to Sindh, I might have been able to do some thing. I have done such things before, not without success. But I am too old for such missions. What little energy I have, I am storing up for what promises to be the last fight of my life”. (Source: “Harijan”)

In the Second half of June The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The number of crimes committed by the Hurs has steadily increased and the month of May has seen a very definitely worsening of the situation. Including those resulting worsening of the situation. Including those resulting from the derailments of trains described in my last report the total casualties for then month resulting from Hur outrages and operations against them are 58 killed and 72 injured the worst crime except for the derailment of the Lahore Mail, being an attack or a passenger bus in the Thar Parkar District in which the bus was held up and burnt and 13 persons, one being an Inspector of Police, were killed. Other offences, such as the cutting of telegraph and telephone wires, the derailment of a patrol engine in which the drivers was killed and the searching of canals and the damaging of canal regulators also occurred. Of the latter, the most serious was the cutting of the bank of the Jamrao Canal on the 20^th May which resulted in the flooding of the town of Khadro with much damage to property and to the breaching of the railway. And this has been in spite of the vigorous measures taken by the Additional District Magistrate, Nawabshah and Thar Parkar, and the reinforcing of the Sind Police under his control by  6 platoons of North West Frontier Province Constabulary, 2platoons of Zhob Militia and 100 armed police form the Punjab. It is thus clear that the local Government were correct in their forecast made as long ago as February last that the extensive use of troops would be necessary to clear up the trouble and that their requests for troops put forward in the beginning of March for the purpose were fully justified. Vigorous military action at that stage might possibly have localized the trouble then and have obviated the necessity for the proclamation of Martial law over such a large area as has now been found necessary. Martial law has now been proclaimed with effect from the 1^st June and it is to be hoped that the Adminstrator will be able to restore the position to grips with the Hurs who have been operating in widely scattered bands with the assistance willing or unwilling of the country side, and of the ease with which the ringleaders and the main bands go to ground or find refuge in the desert areas of Thar Parkar District and of Jaislamir State, the problem It is fear will be found to be a very troublesome one.

One result however of the trouble so far has been to confirm our misgivings regarding the efficiency of the Sind Police, both in the unarmed and armed branches. There can be no question that serious deficiencies have been revealed and in the building up the force under the recently sanctioned reorganization schemes the most careful recruitment must be made. Operations against the Hurs have shown that while forces in Nawabshah and Thar Parkar District  may not have been handled as vigorously as they might have been the lower ranks have also shown themselves to be lacking in the qualities necessary for such work as putting down a rising of this sort. There is no doubt that our police force has given a very sorry account of itself. The Hindu policemen are usally timid and the Muslim policemen are corrupt, and the higher ranks of the police are not still free from the evil accepting ‘rasails’. The recruitment policy needs thoroughly overhanding and steps will be taken in due course to do that. In mitigation, it may urged that the Sind Police have never been adequate for Sind’s requirements since the drastic economies effected in 1922, their strength is even now far below requirements and the men have for long, in spite of the efforts of the Home Departments, suffered from such drawbacks as had housing conditions, etc. The department can with some justification put forward the same plea as General Alexander has advanced for the loss of Burma.

Before the proclamation of Martial Law, His Excellency the Governor issued an appeal to the Zamindars of Sind warning them against the consequences of trafickking with the Hurs and its is hoped that this appeal and the confidence which the proclamation of Martial Law will engender will result in the co-operation from the Zamindars and other influential persons in the locality which is so essential for the crushing of the Hurs.     [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 6^th June 1942.]

In the Second half of June The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Confidence is now gradually returning in the area under Martial Law and the number of organized crimes has lessened. Nevertheless, the offences committed by the Hurs during the fortnight under report account for the death of nine persons and injury to six. Restricted night running trains on the Karachi-Lahore line has been resumed. A flag march was arranged in the Dadu District on the 21^st June and had good effect on the local population. The orders of the Chief Administrator of Martial Law asking people to remove themselves from the desert area of the Thar Parkar district and Khairpur State have come in for a good deal of criticism mainly on the ground that no proper arrangements were being made for the evacuees. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 4th July, 1942.] 

In the Second half of June The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: There have been six dacoities during the fortnight committed by Hurs in the Nawabshah and Thar Parkar Districts in which two persons were killed but the improvement reported in my last report continues. The martial law area has been enlarged with effect from the 29^th July by extending the western boundary to a line 5 miles west of the railway line- Kotri, Larkana, Sukkur to Habikot and on the north to a line from Habikot to Rohri. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of July 1942, 4^th August, 1942.]

 In the Second half of June the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “News of the war still continues to play second fiddle in Sind accounts of the exploits of the Hurs. What comment there is, however, indicates that while Russia is generally recognized to be holding out very stoutly, China is in a very difficult position, cut off as she is from the Allies. Criticism of the withdrawal from Burma has on the whole been moderate and hopes are expressed that the lessons learnt in the campaign will be taken advantage of it attacks on India develop.

Interest in civil defense is on the increase and political parties are making some show of being anxious to co-operate with Government but it is very doubtful whether any solid assistance will result. Recruitment to the warden service is proceeding at a more satisfactory pace and the number of wardens has now risen to 1,134 the total aimed at being 1,300. The exodus from Karachi has very largely stopped partly owing to the feeling of insecurity in the mofussil. Two camps have been constructed for housing essential workers and their families. Refugee camps on the road from Karachi to Thatta (58 miles) are under construction. Fifty-one thousand running feet of slit trenches have been dug in forty different parts of Karachi for the use of the public caught on the streets away from their homes. Blast walls have been built in large numbers and twenty-eight public shelters are ready and sites for twenty more have been selected. Equipment for emergency casualty hospitals is being purchased.
The radical Democratic Party has opened a permanent office and has been holding street propaganda meeting at which speakers have been exhorting the public to help Government in their war efforts. The Larkana District Hari Committee held a public meeting in which Japanese methods and intentions were exposed and the audience exhorted to work for the defense of India.

A war week was celebrated in Nawabshah from 18^th to 25^th May. Meeting were held in different parts of Nawabshah district. The collections during the week amounted to nearly Rs. 45000. A contribution to His Governor’s War Fund place a break of war had reached Rs. 14, 47,300 on the 15^th May 1942.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 6^th June 1942.]

In the Second half of June the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The fall of Tobruk and the withdrawal of the Allied forces in Libya have had a very depressing effect. Earlier reports had not prepared the public for the present reverses and they have aroused much misgiving. It had not been appreciated that General Rommel had been able to be reinforced to the extent he obviously must have been, both in men and material, and there is great disappointment at his success. The feeling of apprehension also extends to the struggle in Russia and taking thing all round the local view is that immediate prospect are gloomy. 
Nihas Pasha’s declaration regarding the neutrality of Egypt has not had a very good effect. It is pointed out that in spite of the attack on Egyptian territory Egypt has not entered the war and it is stated that she is playing the part which the Congress advocates for India.
The newly formed Sind Provincial Defense Committee which is composed of the Mayor of Karachi, two M.L.As. belonging to the Muslim League and a number of prominent citizens with the Secretary, Civil Defense Department as joint Secretary, held its first public meeting on the 30^th June las. The Honorable the Home Minister spoke and made and appeal for more volunteers for the A.R.P. services and the Civic Guards. From July onwards, part of the A.R.P. organization will be on a full time paid basis.
June 22^nd was observed as “Russia Day”. There were well attended meetings at various headquarters towns in the province at which tributes were paid to the gallantry of the Russian and resolutions were passed emphasizing the unity of purpose which prevail among the Allied nations. At Karachi all the Labor and Students’ Union held a joint public meeting in which the speakers exhorted the audience to join the A.R.P and Civic Guards. At some places prayers were offered for the success of the Allies. The Assistant Provincial Organizer, National War Front, visited Hyderabad, Dadu and Larkana districts and convened propaganda meetings. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 4th July, 1942.]

30th June 1942: PoliticianNihalchand Teckchandani is born in Kandyaro after the partition migrates to Ajmir. [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th June 1942: Politician Moulana Pir Muhammad Ismail Jan is born at Tukhar [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th  June 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 329 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-129), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-129). Total is 330. Previously detained are 75(Under Defense of India Rules-26) and 334(Under Defense of India Rules-29).

(b)    Prosecuted: 2(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 10(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 9(Under Defense of India Rules-8). Total is 25.

(c)    3(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 16(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-81). Total is 22. Previously number of detained is 250 and details are: 5(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 52(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-21), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-36), 60(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-45) , 77(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 38(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-90), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-93),  1 (Under Defense of India Rules-120)

4^th July 1942: G.M Sayed writes to Sir Bugh Dow, Governor of Sindh Karachi following letter:

“Yours Excellency,

At the request of the members of the Muslim League party, in the Sindh Legislative Assembly (of which I am the leader), I beg hereby formally to move your Excellency to be pleased to summon a session of the Sindh Legislative Assembly at an early date preferably before 15^th August 1942, for the following reasons:

            (a)        Hon’ble the Premier promised on the floor of the House on the 10^th March last, on the close of Budget session, to convene a meeting of the Sindh Legislative Assembly early in May. But although we are now in July i.e. two months have elapsed after the promised date, no session has so far been summoned, nor does there appear to be any prospect of his advising Your ‘Excellency to summon one in the near future.

(b)After the Budget session i.e. during the interval of last 3 to 4 months, many important events have taken place which require to be debated and discussed on the floor of the house as early as possible.

(c)Martial Law has been declared in about half the Province with effect from 1^st June 1942, as a result of the collapse of civil administration. This being the most important and unprecedented event in the history of this Province, the Legislative Assembly ought to have an early opportunity to express its views on such an important event.

(d)There are motions of adjournment pending on this issue of Martial Law; there are resolutions demanding an enquiry about the failure of this Government to maintain law and order in the Province; and there are many questions and bills, both private and Government, on the anvil of this Legislature, awaiting early disposal.

Under the provisions of section 62(2), Government of India Act 1935, it lies in the discretion of Your Excellency to summon the session of Legislative Assembly and therefore I am addressing this letter to Your Excellency with the request that you will be pleased to summon the session at an early date.

I may also add here for Your Excellency’s information that my party in the Assembly now commands a strength of 15 members.

I beg to remain,

Your Excellency’s

Most Obedient Servant,”

6^th July 1942: The “Hindu” (Sindhi Daily of Karachi) and The “Alwahid” (Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing a misleading headline on the fall of Sevastopol. [Gul Hayat Collection]

7^th July 1942: SingerLilo Jhangyani is born at Karachi later on migrates to New Delhi/ [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th July 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sind writes to Viceroy and Governor General of India to apprising him of the political situation rise that “the two sections of the congress are still at dagger’s drawn. Dr. Choithram’s party are still working for withdrawal of congress support from the Ministry, and Sidhwa  has retorted by a long letter to Gandhi in which he accuses Choithram of making purely personal attacks on Allah Bakhs and of having himself collected money for “aashram Choithram and Ghanshayamdas draw a salary without doing any work on its staff. Gandhi has asked Choithram for his answer to these charges. [D.O. No: 252/F.R.]

12^th July 1942: Writer Leal Bana is born [Gul Hayat Collection]

First half of July Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: Some satisfaction has been expressed at the checking of Rommel’s advance into Egypt, but it is realized that the drive in Russia and the threat towards the Suez Canal are very closely co-related. The situation in Russia is considered to be exceedingly grave and the opening of a second land front against Hitler in Europe is being advocated. News from China is published without much comment. The fear of a Japanese attack on India appears to have vanished for the time being.

Opinions are divided on the proposed Congress move. The “Karachi Daily” whole-heartedly supports the stand taken by the Working Committee of the Congress and regards this as a final chance for Britain to settle the Indian question. The “Hindu” and “Hindu Sansar” also support the stand taken by the Congress is of the opinion that the plan and program of “Quit India will prove a Herculean task. The “Daily Gazette” Urges co-operation with the British on the issue of resistance to Japanese aggression and warns that divisions in India can only strengthen the enemy. The “Sansaar Samachar” does not think that the movement will gain the same momentum as the Civil Disobedience Movement launched I 1940 did. The Muslim papers do not attach any importance to the proposed Congress move.

The Further expansion of the Executive Council of His Excellency the Viceroy has not been favorably received. The “Hindu” regards it as an affront to embittered India”. The “Hindu Sansar” thinks that these half-hearted measures cannot satisfy the popular demand. The “Daily Gazette” regards the scheme as “inadequate, disappointing and unsatisfactory”. The general comment is that the expansion has been made more to satisfy opinion in England and America than to satisfy public opinion in India.

Criticism of the inadequacy of the Price Control measures still continues. The imposition of adequate sentences on some of the offenders against the Price Control orders has been welcomed by the press, the only dissenting voice being that of the “Karachi Daily”, which regards these sentences as harsh. The “Mirpurkhas Gazette” appeals to Government to impose a ban on the export of wheat as it is feared that if wheat is continued to be exported to Bombay and Marwar on the present scale there will be scarcity of wheat in Sind. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of July 1942, 18^th July, 1942.]

14^th July 1942: The All-India Congress Committee passes ‘Quit-India Resolution’. The text of the resolution is as under:

“Whereas the British War Cabinet proposals by Sir Stafford Cripps have shown up British imperialism in its nakedness as never before, the All-India Congress Committee has come to the following conclusions:

The committee is of the opinion that Britain is incapable of defending India. It is natural that whatever she does is for her own defense. There is the eternal conflict between Indian and British interest. It follows that their notions of defense would also differ.
The British Government has no trust in India's political parties. The Indian Army has been maintained up till now mainly to hold India in subjugation. It has been completely segregated from the general population, who can in no sense regard it as their own. This policy of mistrust still continues, and is the reason why national defense is not entrusted to India's elected representatives.
Japan's quarrel is not with India. She is warring against the British Empire. India's participation in the war has not been with the consent of the representatives of the Indian people. It was purely a British act. If India were freed, her first step would probably be to negotiate with Japan.

The Congress is of the opinion that if the British withdrew from India, India would be able to defend herself in the event of the Japanese, or any aggressor, attacking India.

The committee is, therefore, of the opinion that the British should withdraw from India. The plea that they should remain in India for the protection of the Indian princes is wholly untenable. It is an additional proof of their determination to maintain their hold over India. The princes need have no fear from an unarmed India.

The question of majority and minority is the creation of the British Government, and would disappear on their withdrawal.
For all these reasons, the committee appeals to Britain, for the sake of her own safety, for the sake of India's safety and for the cause of world peace, to let go her hold on India, even if she does not give up all her Asiatic and African possessions.

This committee desires to assure the Japanese Government and people that India bears no enmity, either toward Japan or toward any other nation. India only desires freedom from all alien domination. But in this fight for freedom the committee is of the opinion that India, while welcoming universal sympathy, does not stand in need of foreign military aid.

India will attain her freedom through her non-violent strength, and will retain it likewise. Therefore, the committee hopes that Japan will not have any designs on India. But if Japan attacks India, and Britain makes no response to its appeal, the committee will expect all those who look to the Congress for guidance to offer complete non-violent non-cooperation to the Japanese forces, and not to render any assistance to them. It is no part of the duty of those who are attacked to render any assistance to the attacker. It is their duty to offer complete non-cooperation.

It is not difficult to understand the simple principle of nonviolent non-cooperation:

First, we may not bend the knee to an aggressor, or obey any of his orders.

Second, we may not look to him for any favors nor fall to his bribes, but we may not bear him any malice nor wish him ill.

Third, if he wishes to take possession of our fields we will refuse to give them up, even if we have to die in an effort to resist him.
Fourth, if he is attacked by disease, or is dying of thirst and seeks our aid, we may not refuse it.

Fifth, in such places where British and Japanese forces are fighting, our non-cooperation will be fruitless and unnecessary.

At present, our non-cooperation with the British Government is limited. Were we to offer them complete non-cooperation when they are actually fighting, it would be tantamount to bringing our country deliberately into Japanese hands. Therefore, not to put any obstacle in the way of the British forces will often be the only way of demonstrating our non-cooperation with the Japanese.

Neither may we assist the British in any active manner. If we can judge from their recent attitude, the British Government do not need any help from us beyond our non-interference. They desire our help only as slaves.

It is not necessary for the committee to make a clear declaration in regard to a scorched-earth policy. If, in spite of our nonviolence, any part of the country falls into Japanese hands, we may not destroy our crops or water supply, etc., if only because it will be our endeavor to regain them. The destruction of war material is another matter, and may, under certain circumstances, be a military necessity. But it can never be the Congress policy to destroy what belongs, or is of use, to the masses.

Whilst non-cooperation against the Japanese forces will necessarily be limited to a comparatively small number, and must succeed if it is complete and genuine, true building up of swaraj [self-government] consists in the millions of India wholeheartedly working for a constructive program. Without it, the whole nation cannot rise from its age-long torpor.

Whether the British remain or not, it is our duty always to wipe out our unemployment, to bridge the gulf between the rich and the poor, to banish communal strife, to exorcise the demon of untouchability, to reform the Dacoits [armed bandits] and save the people from them. If scores of people do not take a living interest in this nation-building work, freedom must remain a dream and unattainable by either non-violence or violence.

Foreign soldiers: The committee is of the opinion that it is harmful to India's interests, and dangerous to the cause of India's freedom, to introduce foreign soldiers in India. It therefore appeals to the British Government to remove these foreign legions, and henceforth stop further introduction. It is a crying shame to bring foreign troops in, in spite of India's inexhaustible man power, and it is proof of the immorality that British imperialism is.” [Gul Hayat Collection]

14^th July 1942: PoetSyed Madad Ali Shah ‘Manzar’ is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

15^th July 1942: JournalistFakir Hadi Bux Abro is born in Shikarpur, Poet, Journalist & Political Activist  Mueshis Gilani is born in Ghotki and Writer Altaf Abbasi is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

17^th July 1942: WriterEishwar Bharthi is born in Tando Adam later on migrates to Ahmadabad [Gul Hayat collection]

10^th- 18^th July 1942: The workers of the Sind Flour Mills who had given a regular strike notice of fourteen days went on strike on the 18^th July, but resumed on the 10^th July, when the Labor Commissioner was appointed to adjudicate on their dispute under Sub-rule (1) of Rule 81 (a) of the Defense of India Rules. The workers have drawn up ten points including claims for increase adjudication. In all disputes between twelve firms and laborers for grant of war allowance have been referred to the Commissioner of Labor for adjudication. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of July 1942, 18^th July, 1942.]

18^th July 1942: Interest has been centered round the deliberations of the Congress Working Committee. There is now a growing feeling among Congressmen in Sind that they should be allowed to participate in any movement which may be launched by Mahatma Gandhi Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is expected to reach Karachi on the 18^th instant and there is much speculation as to the attitude he will adopt on the question whether the Congress should continue to support the existing Ministry. The Muslim League is busy making propaganda in support of its candidate for the Central Assembly seat rendered vacant by the death of Sir Abdullah Haroon. Some of the League workers propose to go on a canvassing tour of six weeks, but it has been made clear that no political meetings will be allowed in the Martial Law area. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of July 1942, 18^th July, 1942.]

In the First half of July the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The holding up of General Rommel’s advance into Egypt has had a reassuring effect on the whole the war news is realized to be exceedingly grave and the progress of the German Armies in Russia is being anxiously scratched. There are, however, no signs of panic and to some extent local opinion is more concerned with the latest political developments and the alleged shortcomings of price control than with anything else.
The Provincial Civic Defense Committee have held three public meetings in Karachi during the fortnight at which appeals for more A.R.P volunteers and Civic Guards were made and now propose to hold propaganda meetings throughout the city. Intensive training in all branches of A.R.P. is being carried on, but more recruiters are still needed. A.R.P. building works, in common with other works in Karachi, have been held up owing to the shortage of cement and unfortunately the recent rains have caused much damage to slit trenches, etc. So far, over two hindered women have registered themselves for service in the W.V.S. started by Lady Dow and being allotted various duties.

A publicity van has begun to function in Karachi on behalf of the National War Front. The Van, which is fitted with radio and is accompanied by an announcer, does daily rounds in the mornings and evenings, stopping at important public places where the news is relayed and the announcer makes short speeches. The van has been attracting good crowds. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of July 1942, 18^th July, 1942.]

20^th July 1942: Writer Padan Sharma is born in Mirpur later on migrates to Mumbai. [Gul Hayat Collection]

20^th July 1942: “Nava Bharat” (Sindhi weekly of Nawabshah) is warned for giving the location of aerodrome in Nawabshah district by mentioning villages from which land had been acquired [Gul Hayat Collection]

22^nd July 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sind writes to Viceroy and Governor General of India to apprising him of the political, social and administrative situation writes that “ there is a real lull and local political activity is always the case when important question of policies are under consideration by the central executives of all India Association: None of our politician are of a caliber to have much influence in shipping these decisions and few are able to anticipate them so they have to wait to see which way the cat will jump.” [D.O. No: 279/F.R.]

23^rd July 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation writes that “I think it is likely that with the declaration of martial law we shall get fuller information as it extend to achieve prominent members of the Congress party have been dealing with the HURS”. He talks about the context of Sidhwa and Ghanshaymdas with Hurs. [D.O. No: /F.R]

25^th July 1942: “Hayat” (Daily Urdu of Karachi), “Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing a misleading headline when Rostov had been entered by the Germans. [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th July 1942: The Muslim League Civic Defense delegation is received by the Sindh Governor but a reputation wishes to raise a Muslim Volunteer Organization in this regard to face any situation in the war days. [D.O. No: 252/F.R.]

In the Second half of July Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: War news has again been relegated to the background; the newspaper have devoted most of their editorials, etc. to discussion on the resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee and to the damage caused by the floods in Upper Sind. The progress made by the German armies in Russia has caused little comment.

The Hindu papers continue to give prominence to the statement of Congress leaders on the resolution of the All-India Congress. Committee. The articles of Mahatma Gandhi published in the “Harijan” have been freely reproduced and there has been very bitter criticism of the attitude of the Government of India and Mr. Amery. The papers have laid great emphasis on the anti-Fascist, was expelled from its ranks. Congress believes that there is much anti-British feelings in India and that this will help the Japanese to conquer the country. India will be a thousand times worse off under Japanese than under British rule, but as she cannot defend approval of the proposed mass movement. It seems to be generally recognized that such a movement is fraught with danger and appeals have been made to Britain to avert it. The remarks of the “Daily Herald” of London chastising the Congress leaders for not approving the “Cripps” proposal have been bitterly criticized by the national papers which have also condemned the attitude of the English Labour Party. The broadcast of Sir Stafford Cripps to America met with a very hostile reception. The speeches of local Congress men on the resolution of the Working Committee were not published by any paper. The statement of Mr. Jairamadas Doulatram M.L.A., was the only statement of a local leader published on the subject. The “Muslim Voice” and the “Alwahid”, two organs of the Muslim League, have both vehemently opposed the Congress stand. The two papers characterize the attitude of the Congress as intransigent and emphasize that Congress can do nothing without settling accounts with the Muslims.
Much sympathy is expressed for those who have been rendered homeless by the floods in Upper Sind. The “Hindu Sansar” holds Government partially responsible for not warning the people in time of the impending floods. A letter to the same effect has appeared in the “Daily Gazette” by Mr. Shaikh Abdul Majid, ex-Minister.

A number of articles on price-control have appeared in the “Daily Gazette”, which also published the rejoinder of the Chief Controller of Prices. It is argued that Government should control distribution and introduce a rationing system. The same paper also published some letters complaining that the European community and the military do not set a good example during A.R.P practices. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of July 1942, 4^th August, 1942.]

In the Second half of July the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The move threatened by the Congress, the widespread floods in Upper Sind and the short comings of price control have been the Chief topics of local discussion during the fortnight and come on the war has been somewhat perfunctory. Such comment as has been made has been mainly devoted to the progress made by the German Armies in Russia and to the serious threat this progress constitution. There are, however, no signs of panic in Karachi and people in the mofussil have at present other things to think about.

As for the Congress, the resolution of the Working Committee and the statements issued by the Congressmen express themselves as welcoming the decision to launch a movement for India’s freedom. So far no outward demonstrations have occurred except the holding a small meeting in Karachi on the 17^th July. The Muslims have exhibited no sympathy with the proposed movement. Non-Congress Hindus have generally supported the Congress demand but are not in favor of going so far as a nation-wide mass movement. Labor has not yet expressed any great interest one way or the other. There is some feeling that even if a movement is launched, Sind will again be excluded from it by reason of the fact that there are now only two districts completely outside the martial law area and also possibly by reason of the situation created by the floods.
These floods are extremely serious, probably the most serious which have ever occurred in Sind. Owing to the high level of the Indus, the ‘bunds’ breached and in spite of all efforts being made control the flood water, very extensive damage has been done. The main railway lines to Lahore and to Quetta were breached, many roads were cut, a large number of villages have been submerged it is estimated that 150,000 acres of cultivation have been lost. Fortunately, as far as it known, there has been no loss of life but there has been widespread damage to property. It has been possible to re-establish the main line to Lahore with effect from the night of the 31^st July-1^st August and communication with Quetta is still possible by the loop line from Larkana to Jacobabad. The latest reports, however, show that an improvement in the situation which had begun to show may not be maintained and a serious threat to the loop line appears to be developing. Energetic steps to control the flood are being taken. Ample funds have been placed at the disposal of the Collectors of Sukkur and Larkana and the Deputy Commissioner, Upper Sind Frontier District, the districts most affected, and everything possible to assists people who have been forced to evacuate their villages and homes is being done. A Flood Relief Fund will shortly be inaugurated. The political groups, the Congress, the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha, have formed relief committees and it is reported that in Sukkur the Collector has succeeded in perusing the committees formed there to coalesce into one non-political committee. How long the arrangement will hold and how it will work remains to be seen. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of July 1942, 4^th August, 1942.]

31^st July 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 51 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 8 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-129), previously detained persons are 120(Under Defense of India Rules-26) and 715(Under Defense of India Rules-129).

(b)   Prosecuted: 1(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-10), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 10(Under Defense of India Rules-34), 23(Under Defense of India Rules-51), 19(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 4(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 1 (Under Defense of India Rules-120). Total is 61.

(c)    Convicted: 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 10(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-52) 1(Under Defense of India Rules-81). Total is 21. Previously convicted persons total is 289 and details are: 6(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 66(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-21), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-22), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-36), 63(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-45), 95(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 44(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-90), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-93), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-98) and 1(Under Defense of India Rules-120).

1^st August 1942: The situation generally is uneasy. The Dalmia Cement Company Workers Union have given notice of a strike while the Company itself have asked for Government aid and have even suggested that Government should take over the factory. Government are considering the appointment of a senior I.C.S officers to adjudicate on the dispute between the Company and the Union and also of a Board to investigate the general position of the factory which is admittedly very inefficiently run and which is giving a very low output. There is also much unrest in the port and it is extremely probable that various points of disagreement between the Port Trust and sections of the port workers will also have to be referred to adjudication. A strike was called last night (1^st August) among the dock laborers employed by the

Labor has been quiet on which and has so far refrained from any demonstration in support of pre Congress action. The Honorable Mr. Justice Lobo has given his award in connection with the amounts and terms of the loan to be given by the East India Tramways Company, Limited, to its workers and a senior I.C.S officers has been appointed to adjudicate in a number of other disputes between various other concerns , include the Karachi Port Trust, and their workers. It was reported that Mr. N. A. Bechar, M.L.A., a local Trades Union leader, was planning a general strike in sympathy with the Congress and he was at once arrested with attempting to hold a meeting. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

5^th August 1942: Singer Jagdesh Mohnani is born at Quetta later on migrates to Ulhasnagar and Writer Umed Ali Shah Rizvi is born at Bhoral Shah [Gul Hayat Collection]

7^th August 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprinsing him of the serious flood situation in Sindh that has damaged real communication with quetta via Larkana-Jacobabad loop Line. [D.O.No. 297/F.R.]

9^th August 1942: All-India Congress Committee launches ‘Quit India’ Movement. Sindh Congress played its praiseworthy role. (Source: Newspapers).

10^th August 1942: The various its of rowdyism and hoolganism take place in Karachi and it is almost exclusively the work of the Hindus student of the local colleges and schools. [Press Note No. P-308 issued by directorate of information]

10^th August 1942: Early in the morning of the 10^th August, the day following the arrival of the news of the arrest of the Congress leaders, a number of policemen refused duty on account of the inadequacy of their pay to meet the increased cost of living. It is not thought that the strike has any political motive behind it and the announcement of dearness allowance by the Government of India to railway workers probably had a good deal to do with the timing of the incident. On being assured that the question of a grant of a dearness allowance was under the active consideration of Government and that it would have effect from the 1^st August, the men quickly resumed work. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

11^th August 1942: The managing committee of the Karachi Indian Merchants Association passes a resolution in which government is accused of restoring to indiscriminate firing for maintaining law and order with the help of Hired Goons. [Newspaper]

12^th August 1942: At the Amil Institute in the Newtown after lathi charge, students are arrested for their attempt to damage public and private property. [Newspaper]

12^th August 1942: PoetShahnawaz ‘Shad; Dayo is born at Tayab. [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th August 1942: The Daily Gazette Newspaper office request ranchore Police Station to send some constables as soon as possible. [Newspapers]

14^th August 1942: He meeting of the Working Committee of the Muslim League is hold the probe into the reported misappropriation in the ‘Flood Fund’. (Source: ‘Source-Material on Sindh Muslim League’, compiled by Gul Hayat Institute).

15^th August 1942: Poet Madad Ali Shah ‘Manzar’ is born at Mahota. [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the First half of August The fortnight up to the time of the arrests was mainly spent in wondering what Government would do and, since the arrests, in complaining about the action taken. The arrests themselves cannot be said to have occasioned much excitement and protests against them have so far mainly taken the form of rowdy demonstrations in Karachi and Hyderabad by college students who have shown that their college authorities have no control whatsoever over them. In Hyderabad, the Chief Administration of Martial Law made short work of the students’ activities but in Karachi acts of hooliganism lasted for some days and included attempts to burn tram cars, the stoning of buses and attacks on such Government property as telephone booths and letter boxes. Most of the prominent Congress leaders have been arrested, some by request, and for the present normal conditions prevail. Attempts at getting shopkeepers to close their shops met with little success. The Muslim Community has rigidly refrained from taking part in any pro-Congress activity. There has been some slight Khaksars activity in the Thar Parkar District and a number of Khaksars gathered at Jamesabad to hear the new directions issued by Allama Mashriqi to his followers. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

In the First half of August The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Martial Law operations against the Hurs continue and there have been skirmishes and round-ups in which a number of Hurs have been skirmishes and round-ups in which a number of Hurs have been killed and captured. A body thought to be that of Waryam, one of the principal ringleaders, was recovered early this month. The Jodhpur State troops which had been used to guard some of the railway stations in the Thar Parkar district have been withdrawn. A few dacoities have been committed in the Nawabshah district. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

 In the First half of August Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The Press has continued to give greater prominence to political news than to the war and the local papers have devoted most of their space to discussions and forecasts regarding the political situation, to deploring the arrests of the Congress leaders and in attempting to prove that Mr. Gandhi’s plan of campaign is in no way meant to embarrass the war effort of the United Nations. And a pretty hopeless task it has been.

There has been condemnation of the publication of the “Allahabad” papers and certain glee at the publicity given to the “Puckle” circular. But the move towards Civil disobedience has received very little support am the violent outrages which have occurred in many parts of India have been condemned. The local efforts in that direction, carried out by college students, have also been disapproved of although the usual criticism of the Police has been made.

The Provincial Press Adviser held two press conferences at which the implications of the Government of India orders under Rule 41(1) (b) were explained. The “Hindu” and “Hindu Sansar”, which had written some very strong editorials before the arrest of Mr. Gandhi, were severely warned by the Provincial Press Adviser. After the orders under Rule 41(1) (b) were passed, they have ceased writing editorials. The “Hindu” has informed its readers that it will not write editorials on the Congress movement owing to the restrictions imposed upon the press. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

In the First half of August the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Political events in India have almost completely deflected with political cogitation and the arrest of the Congress leaders than with the course of the war in Russia or elsewhere. Reuter’s telegrams are published but there is little comment of importance on them. As far as the war is concerned the average person in this province seems to be lulling himself to sleep.
A.R.P measures progress but slowly. Structural precaution works are badly held up for lack of cement inspire or there being two cement factories in the province, The Dalia factory is however, working very inefficiently and to a very low output. Two combined depots have been completed and will be occupied almost at once as the necessary Deputy Superintendents have been selected and are under training. Recruitment of paid personnel for the Report and Control Centre is complete. Equipment is now being received in fairly large quantities, but the factories which need trailer pumps are still without them. The Area Adviser is expected to visit Sind during September next and it is hoped that the Fire Expert with the Government of India will be able to come to Karachi at an early date.
Complaints regarding high prices and the alleged shortcomings of price control measures continue unabated, although the Press campaign has to some extent died down. Wheat is being sold below the controlled price but prices many foodstuffs, particularly vegetables, potatoes, etc., are extremely high.
Some boards of foodstuff have been detected. Where they have been of controlled commodities, they have been taken over at wholesale prices and sold in the Government shops. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

19^th August 1942: There is still unrest caused by the high cost of living and dearness allowances are under by the high cost of living and dearness allowances are under discussion in many quarters. The Government of Sind have passed orders granting a dearness allowance to their employees at the ratio of Rs. 6/- per month to those drawing pay up to Rs. 80/- In Karachi urban areas and Rs. 5/- per month to those drawing up to Rs. 60/- in the mofussil but they are being out bided by such bodies as the Karachi Port Trust and the Karachi Municipality which are proposing higher allowances. It remain to be seen how the situation will develop.

Labor has, however, evinced little interest in Congress activity possibly partly because Mr. Naraindas Bechar, M.L.A., was one of the first persons to go to jail. Approximately 400 dock themselves from work on the 19^th August but resumed the following day. This was the only response made by labor to the call for a general strike on that day. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1942, 7^th September, 1942.]

19^TH August 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprinsing him of rowdyism and gundaism of Hindu student and arresting of them. [ D.O. No. 312/F.R.]

20^th August 1942: ArtistMoti Kalwani is born in Sindh later on migrates to Baroda. [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the Second half of August The fortnight began quietly and in the main Congress activity was  confined to the dissemination of unauthorized bulletins and leaflets advocating ‘hartals’, general strikes, interference with all forms of transport, withdrawal of deposits from banks and Post Offices and the like. There were some small meetings and processions but they were ignored in the hope that non-interference by the Police would result in the public losing interest. To some extent this policy was at first successful, a call for a general ‘hartal’ on the 19^thAugust evoking a poor response which caused no particular inconvenience to anyone except the shop-keepers themselves, but later the Hindu students of the local colleges, who have throughout behaved extremely badly, started rowdly processions again and made another attempts to set fire to a tramcar on the night of the 28^th August. They also stoned both English and American troops leaving a cinema on the same night, but fled on the appearance of a handful of Military Police. The colleges re-opened on the 24^th but the attendance therein has been low and confined mainly to Muslim students. It would seem that the state of discipline in the colleges throughout Sind calls for enquiry. The principals of the Karachi colleges were summoned and asked what they were doing and what they could do to maintain control over their students. It was obvious from their demeanor that they had no hope of exercising any control and it appeared doubtful whether they had any real desire to do so they considered they had completed their duty which they closed the colleges. In order to test the discipline of the University Officer Training Corps, the District Commanders called a parade one was unable to establish contact with one Kewalraman, the Commanding Officer, he was among the missing. Following considerable agitation from certain sections of the public, Government appointed a special officer to enquire into allegation of ill-treatment by the Police of students arrested and confined in police station in the city on the12th August. His report has not yet been received but the Superintendent of Police are District Magistrate Karachi, state that his appointment has had an extremely bad effects on the morale of the City Police Force. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1942, 7^th September, 1942.]

In the Second half of August The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: There is little to report apart from the activities of the Congress which have already been dealt with. Dacoities and murders by the Hurs are still occurring and there was one particularly daring raid on a village called Kot Nawab, only a few miles from Sanghar. The men of this village had carried out a raid on the Hurs and in return were raided and Post 13 men and 5 women killed and 8 men and 3 women injured. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1942, 7th September, 1942.]

In the Second half of August Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: Political happenings in India continue to be the main concern of the Press and there has been general criticism of the policy of Government in arresting the Congress leaders. The displays of violence and hooliganism which have taken place have been condemned but the Hindu Papers absolve the Congress from all the blame in respect of these outrages. “Government’s decision to appoint a special officer to enquire into the alleged mal-treatment of the boys at one of the police stations after their arrest has been welcomed by the Hindu papers. The Muslim papers have, however, operate the treatment which they have consider to be mere concession to Hindu and which in their opinion, will completely demutualize the police, “The Muslim Voice” the “Alwahid” and the Nusrat praised the executive authority and the police for t handling of the situation in Karachi. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1942, 7^th September, 1942.]

In the Second half of August the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The general attitude towards the war continue to be one of almost complete apathy. The progress of the Congress movement has been deemed to be far more interesting. There has been much condemnation of Government’s policy towards Congress and while some disapproval of the acts of violence and sabotage has been expressed, it has been on the whole mere lip service. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1942, 7^th September, 1942.]

28^th August 1942: Poet Pir Bux ‘Piyasi’ is born at Tando Muhammad Khan [Gul Hayat Collection]

31^st August 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 21 Congress (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 12 Congress (Under Defense of India Rules-29), 37 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 69 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules- 129), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-129). Total 942.

(b)   Prosecuted: 4(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-8), (Under Defense of India Rules-34), 30(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-81). Total is 54.

(c)    Convicted: 3(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 46(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-81) total is 53.

1^st September 1942: JournalistMuhammad Iqbal Dal is born at Soomar Dal. [Gul Hayat Collection]

4^th September 1942: Artist Mangho Dharamdasani is born at Kand taro later on migrates to Ahmadabad. [Gul Hayat Collection]

5^th September 1942: “Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing news regarding fire in a parachute factory in Kashmir.[ Gul Hayat Collection]

5^th September 1942: “Hindu  Sansaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) asked the District Press Adviser, Thar Parkar to call the editor and warn him for publishing two objectionable articles. [Gul Hayat Collection]

5^th September 1942: “Frontier Gazette”, “Hitechhu” (Gujerati daily of Karachi), (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Qurbani” (Sindhi daily of Shikarpur), “Hindu  Samchaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) and “AL Wahid” ( Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for for  Failure to indicate the source of Satyagraha news. [Gul Hayat Collection]

7^th September 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprinsing him of the repercussion of action taken by the Government against the members of the Congress working Committee. [D.O.No. 334/F.R.]

7^th September 1942: “Frontier Gazette”, “Hitechhu” (Gujerati daily of Karachi), (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Qurbani” (Sindhi daily of Shikarpur), “Hindu  Samchaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) and “AL Wahid” ( Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for for  Failure to indicate the source of Satyagraha news. [Gul Hayat Collection]

7^th September 1942: “Babul – Islam” (Sindhi weekly of Hyderabad) is warned for intemperate writings tending to embitter communal feelings. [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th September 1942: Singer Arjun Bhambhani is born at Tharo Shah later on migrates to Ahmadabad. [Gul Hayat Collection]

10^th September 1942: “Frontier Gazette”, “Hitechhu” (Gujerati daily of Karachi), (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Qurbani” (Sindhi daily of Shikarpur), “Hindu  Samchaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) and “AL Wahid” ( Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for for  Failure to indicate the source of Satyagraha news. [Gul Hayat Collection]

12^th September 1942: Yousuf Haroon on behalf of Sindh Provincial Muslim League sends the following letter to the honorary Secretary of All-India Muslim League:

Dear Sir,

I have the honour to forward herewith a copy of the resolution passed by the Working Committee of the All India Muslim League at their last meeting.

Yours Sincerely

Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan

Honorary Secretary

Copy of the Resolution.

“The Working Committee of the All India Muslim League place on record their deep sense of sorrow at the sad death of Haji Sir Abdoola Haroon and convey their heartfelt sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.

The Muslim League has lost one of its foremost loyal members and Muslim India a zealous and sincere worker in the cause of Islam.”

To

Yousuf Haroon Saheb

Napier Road,

Karachi.

13.       Resolved that a Friday be fixed on which just before or after the  Friday Prayers, the ------------------ over Sindh could pass the following Resolution and the facts connected therewith and the import ---------------------- explained to the present:

“This public meeting of all the ------ in this --- strongly condemn the ignoble part that K. B. Allah Baksh has played in his efforts to ------- Hindus by putting up the Azad Conference above and alternating thereby to ------- the representative character of the Muslim League ------- is the only true representative of the Muslims in -------- country.

This  public meeting emphatically declares the fact that neither K. B. Allah Baksh represents the Muslim nor does he enjoy or deserve the confidence of the Muslims of Sindh much less of those of India.”

14.       Resolved that in view of the fact that the Congress, the Muslim League, the Hindu Sabhe ------ and other co-organizations have decided not to set up a separate organization of their own in connection with the A. R. B. and other defense measures and they have all formed a separate committee known as Civil Defence Committee, consisting of representatives of all the said organizations, for the purpose of rendering all possible help that may be needed at the time of Air ------ in the city of Karachi this Council is of the opinion that the Sindh Provincial Muslim League should extend its support to all such activities in Karachi ------- or other towns in Sindh. It therefore request the All India Muslim League to permit the Sindh Muslim League to participation in the above kind of joint activities in view of the special conditions prevailing in Sindh.

This Council requests Mr. Muhammad Hashim Gazdar to communicate at an early date to the President Sindh Provincial Muslim League, the details regarding the constitution and duties of the civil defence committee referred to above.

15.       This meeting strongly support -------- absolution dated 23^rd February last passed by the working committee of the All India Muslim League condemning ---------- and congress proposals of the non-party conference of Sir Taj Bahadur Sapru and emphatically declares that the Muslims of Sindh shall not  hesitate to offer every possible sacrifice in order to oppose any constitution that is promulgated in India without cannot of the Muslim League whether for the duration of war or for ---------------------

12^th September 1942: The directorate of Information, Government of Sind issues the press note about acts of rowdyism and hoolganism by Hindus students.

15^th September 1942: Social worker & Founder Manik Moti TanzeemMuhammad Usman Mangi is born at Khairodero. [Gul Hayat Collection]

First half of September 1942There have been sporadic attempt in Karachi to hold meeting and to take out processions and two minor effort at arson, one in which was a fire started at High School stairs but was extinguished by the Chowkidar and another was cigarette thrown through a ventilator of an office of a North western Railway Premises. No damage of any account was done in either cases. A student who said he had been enlisted into a Revolutionary gang of Karachi was found in possession of automatic pistol stolen from a Government officer at Sukkur but so far no other member of gang was discovered. The local colleges are open but attendance is low and consists mainly of Muslims students who incidentally are complaining that the Hindu Principle are not making proper arrangements for their lecture. A considerable number of Congress bulletins are in circulation and many of them contain very objectionable anti-British and anti war propaganda.
The situation however is one of uneasy calm and there is no doubt that Hindu population of Karachi including the prominent Hindu businessmen are largely in sympathy with congress movement. The Hindu justices of peace have resigned as a protest against policy adopted by the Government.

The special officer was appointed to enquire into the allegation of the ill treatment of students after arrest by Police has submitted his reports. After recurring the statements of various persons and officers concerned he came to the conclusion that there were no ground for further investigation into the conduct of the Police officers alleged to have concerned. His conclusion was accepted by the Government and Press Note was issued in which the Government took an opportunity to deplore the reckless making of allegations against the Karachi Police Force. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1942, 19th September, 1942.]

In the First half of September Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: There were stock taking articles in several papers on the occasion of the third anniversary of the war. The consensus of opinion was although the position of the Allies had improved there were at present no signs of the end. Tributes were paid to the magnificent resistance of the Russian Armies to the terrific onslaught of the Germans and it was generally conceded that Rommel was being well held in Egypt. The seriousness of the Japanese threat to Australia and to India was fully recognized. The “Sind Observer” opined that the course of the war could only be changed by the opening of a Second Front in Europe and several papers exhorted the Allies to take the offensive instead of remaining on the defensive. Although the “Daily Gazette” and “Sind Observer” continue to treat the war in its proper perspective by devoting front pages to the war news, and writing editorials on the day-to-day course of the war, the vernacular press gives greater prominence to political happenings in India and publishes whatever how it can get of the disturbances caused by the Satyagarha campaign.

The nationalist press continues to press for peace with the Congress. The acts of violence though condemned, are regarded largely as spontaneous outbursts of resentment at the interment of the Congress leaders. The “Sind Observer” which holds a brief for the Congress has not been able entirely to exonerate the Congress leaders of blame for plunging the country into disorder.
Mr. Churchill’s statement on India came in for a good deal of spirited criticism. The “Daily Gazette” left its leader column headed “Mr Churchill’s Statemanlike’ Solution to Indian Deadlock” blank. Exclaiming the blank column the same paper remarked next day that the Provincial Press Adviser might have developed “political delirium” if it reproduced. A.G. Gardiner’s assertion that the Mr. Churchill lacked a soul and rounded up by saying that it was not fair to take Mr. Churchill seriously. The “Sind Observer” complained of the “Tory Imperialism” of Mr. Churchill and regarded the appeal of some of the India leaders including the Premieres of Bengal and Sind that India should be declared independent “here and now as the best answer to Mr. Churchill”. The “Azad” a new Muslim daily which is the organ of the nationalist Muslim, questioned the correctness of Mr. Churchill’s assertion that the Muslims were opposed to the Congress and stated that the Momins, the Jamiat-ul-ulema and other Muslim organizations support the Congress stand for independence. The Muslim League papers, the “Al-wahid” and the Muslim Voice have not commented on Mr. Churchill’s speech.

The radio speech of the Commander-in-chief was published without comment.
The “sind Observer” writing under caption “This must stop at once” protested against the rash and negligent driving of some American Negro soldiers which has recently resulted in 5 persons being killed in the streets of Karachi. The Assurance of the district Magistrate, Karachi, that the culprits were being tried by Court Martial was received with satisfaction. The “Daily Gazette” continues to complain of the ineffectiveness of the Price Control measures and the “Sind Observer” views with alarm the shortage of food stuffs and advocates the requisitioning and rationing of such supplies. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1942, 19th September, 1942.]

In the First half of September The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: During the Fortnight the Hurs have continued to commit odd docoities involving murder and there have been two murders on Railway. The first was the minor incident in which three shot were fired at a rail motor between Ghotki and Sarhad Railway stations on September the 2^nd. No casualties were occurred and no damage was done. The second was an attack which might easily have had very serious results, on the Jodhpur Mail in the Mirpurkhas district in the early morning of the 6^th September. On the rounding the bend the driver of the driver mail noticed an obstruction on the line.  He at once accelerated and pushed through the obstruction but while doing so shots were fired and he and three Muslim ladies on the train received slight pallet wound. As far as discovered that attackers were on large body, estimated at 150 Hurs from the desert area, mounted on camels and there is no doubt that if the train had been forced to stop or had been derailed, a tragedy similar to that of the derailment of the Lahore Mail, in may last night have ensured. Fortunately the train was not stopped and most of the passengers, including a party of men belonging to the Baluchistan Regiment returning from leave, were unaware of the incident until the next station was reached. The attackers were perused by a military force and it is believe casualties were inflicted upon them. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1942, 19th September, 1942.]

In the First half of September the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The third anniversary of the war was observed in the most district in the Province by the holding of meetings under the auspices of the National War Front and the offering of prayers on the 6^th September, but there is very little real interest in the progress of the war. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1942, 19th September, 1942.]

12^th September 1942: Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: Since the 10^th August last the various acts of rowdyism and hooliganism which have taken place in Karachi have been almost exclusively the work of the Hindu students of the local colleges and schools. Such acts have followed a definite and clearly pre-arranged plan and have included the holding up of tramcars and motor buses, attempts to damage them by stone throwing and by fire, attempts to set fire on telephone booths and post boxes, and attack on a Police chowki and continued stoning of the city Police engaged in preventing such willful destruction of property and the holding of meetings and processions in defiance of the orders of Government.

Following one such display, a number of students were arrested on the morning of the 12^th August last at the Amil Institute in the New Town after the lathi charge in which some of them received injuries. After arrest the boys were first taken in police Lorries to the Soldier Bazaar Police Station and from the thence to the lock up at the Rachore Police Station. Later in the day, they were released.

Previous to this incident there had been much criticism of the action taken by the Police in dealing with meetings processions and acts of disorder and the Managing Committee of the Karachi Indian Merchants Association had already on the 11 August passed a resolution in which Government were accused of resorting “to indiscriminate firing” maintaining law and order “with the help of hired goondas” using the civic guards and A.R.P. personnel “for manhandling member of the public whom they are expected to protect”. Lathi-charging small school going children and other inhuman acts. And this was followed by the appointment of a Committee of members of the Association of the Buyers and Shippers Chamber which went even further. This Committee examined certain persons and on the strength of their testimony produces a report in which they made more astounding allegations of a nature which cannot be given in this statement but which in any case should have only been made after the most careful and impartial enquiry. As the more revealing accusations were definitely in regard to the treatment in the Ranchore Police Station of the students arrested on the 12^th August, Government decided that an enquiry should be made into the alleged misconduct of the Police at that station and appointed Mr. G.H.K Agha, an officer of very wide magisterial experience, to hold it. It was decided that Mr. Agha should examine the persons who made the complaints of ill-treatment and report whether in his opinion there were grounds for the institution of further proceedings against any of the Police officers against whom allegations might be made. Mr. Agha accordingly examined R.B. Hotchand Chandumal, R.B. Ramchand, their two grandsons and a number of other students; Mr. Parmanand Kindanmal, Mr. Gopaldas Lala, and Dr. Kishinchand who had attended the grandson of R.B. Ramchand. Then as the students examined involved a sub-Inspector named Mr. Hansotia, he also recorded the evidence of Mr. Best, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Karachi, Mr. Sharma, Editor of the “Daily Gazette”, and Mr. Gamadia, Manager of the Daily Gazette Press.

The evidence of the students was generally to the effect that after they were placed in the lock up at the Ranchore Police Station, they were taken out of the lock-up by a constable of whose identity on indication is given, in batches of 3 or 4, taken along the varandan of the Police Station and that then each boy was taken separately into the Sub-Inspector’s room and beaten either on his buttocks or on the Soles of his feet. Some of them stated that they were also asked to touch the shoes of the officer who conducted the beating and in one instance to crawl along the ground none complained or the more serious indecencies as recorded in the report of the Committee referred to above. To begin with, no witness gave any clear indications as to the identity of the Police officer said to have conducted the mishandling of the whom three of the lads said they would be able to recognize. The Enquiry Officer, therefore, asked the District Magistrate to produce before him the police officers who were present on the 12^th August. Mr. Hanstotia was produced first he is clean shaven and the three students identified him whole two others did the same.
It being quite clear from the statements made by the various witnesses that the alleged beating etc. must, if the students’ stories were time have begun between 12:45 and 1. P.m. and ended between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. Mr. Hansotia was asked to account for his movement between those times. In denying the allegations he was able to prove conclusively that he was not at the Police Station between the times in question except for a short period between 1:10 and 1:30 pm. Until he returned there in the course of his duties at about 2:45 p.m. He cited as witnesses to this effect the District Magistrate, the District Superintendent of Police, Karachi Camp. Fullerton, D.A. Provost Marshall Sind Dist., the Assistant Superintendent of Police Karachi and also as is mentioned above Mr. Shama and Mr. Gamadia, while a very relevant entry in the situation Telephone Book was also produced. 
Mr. Agha did not, after hearing the Assistant Superintendent of Police, think it necessary to hear the first three officers cited, as will be shown below, there was obviously no need to do so. Mr. Best, the Assistant Superintendent of Police, stated that when he left the to do where two tramcars had been burnt near the Mouldino Mussafarkhana about 1 p.m. , Mr. Hansotia was still there and that he met him later at the same site, at about 2:15 p.m. again leaving him there when he left. The Ranchore Police Station Telephone Book, which Mr. Agha states was properly pages containing seriatim therein the calls received at the station, show in proper order and place the following entry:-

The entry shows that the Sub-Inspector was not at the Station at 1:10 p.m. and Mr. Hansotia’ story that he arrived there at about 1:30 p.m. from the site of the burnt tramcars and on receiving the above message collected a party and proceeded to the “Daily Gazette” office and that he did not get back to the Police Station until about 2:45 p.m. is amply corroborated by Mr. Shama, Mr. Gamadia, Mr. Abdul Aziz, Inspector of Police and Mr. Best A.S.P. The story of the students that Mr. Hansotia was present at the station at the time of the alleged beating and personally carried out or supervised it, and the students were very positive on the point is obviously false. This being so, there is no reason to believe the rest of it, more particularly when the evidences of Mr. Panmanand Kundanmal and Mr. Golpaldas Lala is considered. These gentlemen arrived at the Police Station at above 4.p.m., the former to ball out one of his servants and the latter to procure the release of his son none of the students then complained to them of any mal-treatment. The fact Mr. Pramanend says there was nothing suggestive of any ill-will or resentment and Mr. Lala says he found the boys in the lock-up to be in a holiday mood. Mr. Agha has, therefore, reported that it would be to no purpose to order any further enquiry. With this finding Government after a careful examination of the statements recorded are in full agreement. They would only wish to add that they consider it singularly unfortunate to that bodies such as the Karachi Indian Merchants Association and the Karachi Buyers and Shippers Chamber should be so willing to give audience to such scandalous accusations of misconduct on the part of members of the Police Force on whose protection at other times they are so to rely and who have so far undoubtedly behaved with commendable Merchant ain the face of organized rowdyism and of stone throwing which has united so far as injuries some of them united. [Press Note, No. P-308. Karachi, dated 12^th September 1942]

16^th September 1942: Shri Birham Khastri Co-Operative Stores are opened in various Muhallas of Karachi so as to provide commodities to people on cheap rates, because economy of the country was very much badly affected by the World War and people were to be helped accordingly. (Source: The Daily Gazette, Karachi).

16^th September 1942:  Following letter is send by Sindh Provincial Muslim League to the The Secretary, All India Muslim League, Daryagunj,Delhi

“Dear Sir,

I am sending you some of the Resolution passed by the Provincial Muslim League Working Committee held in Karachi between 12^th and 14^th instant with a request that you will kindly look into these and take necessary steps to help us.

With best wishes,

Yours faithfully,

Napier Road Karachi

RESOLUTION NO: 1,

The Working Committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League fully endorses the Resolution passed by the working committee of the All India Muslim League on 20^th August 1942 at Bombay on the present political situation. It further assures the Quaid-e-Azam and his working committee that the Muslim League Organization of this Province will do its best to act up to the spirit and letter of the said resolution.

RESOLUTION NO: 2.

The Working Committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League regrets to observe that in spite of repeated grandiloquent claim put forth by the British Ministers that the constitution was flourishing in five provinces in India (including Sindh), no session of the Sindh Legislature has been called throughout the current year barring the brief Budget Session of March last which perhaps could not be avoided on account of the mandatory nature of the Law operating in respect of such sessions. During this period Sindh has been confronted by problems such as she had never before encountered and which the people’s representatives were fully entitled to disuses on the floor of the Legislature. There were ------- and the subsequent promulgation of Martial Law which  still continues; there were floods followed by a Public outcry for an enquiry into the causes which led to the bursting of Bachao Bunde; there were complaints as to the partiality and gross ------- shown in rendering proper relief to the suffering multitudes, there were questions connected with the general political upheaval in the country of which Sindh but an integer part; there were certain problems associated with the Sindh-Punjab dispute over the waters of the Indus not to spelt of the fact paralyeation of the legislature in this arbitrary fashion had deprived the country’s chosen representatives of all opportunities of exercising their most vital constitutional rights, such as the of exercising control over the ministry and of putting forth interpellations and moving resolutions and adjournments.

The committee while registering its most emphatic protest against this deliberate effort to keep the constitution a frozen state, urgent upon the Government to convene a session of the Legislature forthwith to consider the entire situation which confronts the province.

Proposed by Shaikh Abdul Majid

&

Seconded by Sayed Hassan Bux Shah

RESOLUTION NO: 4.

The Working Committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League deems it expedient to invite the attention of the Premier to the effect that the funds collected by him and by the Chairman of the Flood Relief Committee (For the Flood Relief Work) need to be disbursed through a joint Committee representative of all important organized parties in the Province so that all possibilities of the charge of exploitation of these funds for party purposes are obviated. Further more in view of the fact that Sindh has had the misfortune of experiencing the calamity of floods on an unprecedented scale, it is just and proper that the Provincial and Central Government should make substantial contribution towards the orientation of these funds which are to be utilized in rendering relief to the sufferers in constructing the areas that have gone through this terrible process of devastation. In the opinion of this Committee however such stupendous task cannot be tackled on the strength of ordinary Provincial Revenue or by means of Private contribution and consequently it is imperative that the Government of Sindh sould raise a loan for this vital purpose on which hinges the future of this vast act. So far utilization of these funds is concerned, the committee is clearly of the view that the principle put forth in the first part of this resolution viz. setting up of a representative committee to control these funds shall have to be extended to this as well.

RESOLUTION NO: 5.

The Working Committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League wants to make it clear as a matter of principle, that in case of react calamities such as Sindh has just experienced in the shape of floods, it is the exclusive duty and sole responsibility of the Government to help the affected community to come into its own, an raise it to the original level of life, irrespective of the consideration whether the public charity suffices for it or not. In the Sindh case this principle has greater applications and force in view of the fact that ------- facts there are sound grounds, not so far disproved by any Judicial Finding to believe that Sindh owes in a large measure, thin misfortune to the wrong handling of flood situation by their own functionaries. This meeting is further of the opinion that the relief sanctioned for the flood sufferers is absolutely inadequate to meet the requirements of sufferers and this meeting protests against stopping of all relief measures in Sukkur and Larkana Districts prematurely. This meeting therefore suggests the following measures which should be adopted by Government for giving relief to the sufferers and the alleviation of distress amongst them until the next Rabi crop.

From supply of food to these who are unable to work for themselves.

From supply of fodder.

Free supply of seed.

Takavi leens to enable the agriculturists to erect there huts, purchase of bullocks and reclamation of their lands.

Suspension of all decrees whether of Civil Courts or of Co-Operative Societies or recovery of all Government dues.

General permission for cultivating Ne-Kabuli lands.

Free supply of fuel and timber to the sufferers, more particularly small khatedars and peasants for construction of their huts.

General remission for lands that have been flooded as well as remission of old assessment arrears.

Remission of old and out-standing P.W.D. and Revenue Fines.

RESOLUTION NO.6

This meeting of the working committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League has carefully considered the reports from various sources including the statement made by Hon’able R. S. Gokaldas in the press relating to the causing which have led to the advent of the flood calamity and demands that tribunal be set up by Government to enquire  into and educate upon at an early date in regard to the following points:-

1.         The reasons why the Old Sukkur Begari Bund was cut to soak the loop Bund when the river was abnormally high inspite of the protests from the inhabitants of neighboring villages.

2.         Whether the old Sukkur Begari bund did have sluices for the purpose of soaking New Bund.

3.         Whether the New loop Bund was constructed in accordance with the Indus River Commission specifications.

4.         Who were than constructers for the loops Bund whether they executed their work efficiently and properly or their faults were connived at.

5.         Why was the flood water appeared into the Right Bank Canals and it was not allowed to take its natural course, in excess of the --------------------------- canals to carry such volume of water.

6.         Why deliver ----------- without justifications, as un-necessary discriminatory and actuated by a feeling of ------ --------------------- river in the right bank canals at various places thereby flooding and devastating large areas in Larkana, Sukkur and Dadu  District.

7.         Why cuts in the Old Bund ways not ------- when soaking process had been completed and the neighboring people were willing and anxious to --------- the water level had for some short interval receded.

8.         Whether Government of the Province had received warnings from Peshawar  and other places in the effect that heavy floods were coming down to Sindh and if no what precautionary measures. Government took to meat the -----------

9.         Whether the ------liable to be affected by the deliberate cuts into the canals or bunds were given adequate notice to evacuate.

10.       What is the extent of losses suffered by the Government as well as people thus affected.

It is further urged that all those people who have suffered by loading their valuable crops, buildings, cattle and other moveable and immoveable property as a result of these breaches and cuts in the Sindhs and ------ should be adequately ------ by the Government and a special officer of not loss than a collector’s rank be appointed to estimate these losses for the purpose of payment of the compensation.

RESOLUTION NO. 8.

The committee of the following persons is empowered to deal with the question relating to the Martial law and report the result of its efforts to the Working committee within two months.

K. B. M. A. Khuhro,

G. M. Sayed,

Shaikh Abdul Majid,

Mr. G. M. Sayed’s resolution in this connection is referred to the above committee for consideration and disposal.”

Second half of September The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow:Little to export the Martial Law authorities are busy with operations against the Hurs in the desert area. Nine offenses of dacoity and murders win which 5 persons including 1 policeman were killed were committed by Hurs during the fortnight.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1942, 3^rd October, 1942.]

Second half of September Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: War news continues to occupy the front pages of the newspapers out editorials have been mainly devoted to the debates in the Central Legislative Assembly and to exhortations for a settlement with the Congress.
Russian tenacity and doggedness have earned repeated praise. The “Sind Observer” losses no occasion to draw a moral from the Russian example to assert that free “India” will oppose Hitler as well as the Russian have done. Operation in Madagascar have been praised and gratification expressed at the British success in that island. The statement of Mr. Wendell Willkie’s expressing the need of second Front has been commented upon with approval by some paper although the “Sind Observer” thought it was badly timed and that it may provide grounds for false and pernicious propaganda may use by the enemy to drive a wedge between the United Nations.
Considerable interest has been shown in comments in the American and the statements of some prominent American showing anxiety over the Indian question.
The move of Mr. Arthur Moore has been hailed with approval The “Daily Gazette” hoped that his lead and that of other Europeans of his group will counteract the effect of Mr. Churchill’s pronouncement which afforded a fertile ground for uncongenial “reactionaries”  The “Sind Observer” called it a refreshing move “an opportunity of an Life time for the British in India” The speech of the Honorable Sir Sultan Ahmed and Sir Jogedar Singh has been well received but there has been severe criticism  of the statement of the Honorable the Finance Member.

The “Sind News” the Hindu Daily of Hyderabad, in a leading article has denounced mob violence and has appealed for the strengthening of United Front against the enemies of mankind. The “Al-wahid” a Muslim Daily regard the campaign of non-co-operation against the British Government as the war against the Muslim communities and minorities communities.

The renouncing to titles by the Honorable Premier was widely commented upon Both “The Daily Gazette” and “Sind Observer” hoped that the British statesmen would take it as sign of the times and would revise their policy in regard to India.
The Government Press Note on the report of the Special Officer, who was appointed to enquire into the alleged maltreatment of students at one of the Police station in Karachi after their arrest, was welcomed by Muslim papers. The “Al-wahid” blamed the Hindu community for clearing unnecessary trouble and express gratification at the vindication of integrity of the police. The “MIllat and Nusrat both Muslim weeklies, congratulated the Enquiry Officer on his just conclusion. The Hindu papers on the other hand, have criticized the Government Press Note. The “Sind Observer” called it a “whole and corner” enquiry and the “Daily Gazette” opens it to be “labored attempt at eye wash”.
The Hindu Sansar has again drawn the attention of the minorities to the abnormal rise in the prices of foodstuffs and other necessities. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1942, 3^rd October, 1942.]

21^st September 1942: “Hindu  Sansaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing a misleading headline. [Gul Hayat Collection]

21^st September 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprinsing him of the interest of Sindh Ministers in high profits either for zamindars or for Baniya middlemen and that has created problem to control over prices in effective way. [D.O.No. 357/F.R.]

26^th September 1942: Outstanding, but drastic action is taken by Khan Bahadur Allah Bux Soomro, the Premier of Sindh. He denounces the title in protest against British policy regarding  granting freedom to India. Though, he was not Congress man and took the decision on his own and history will remember him as a Freedom Fighter of his own right, but it proved to be big political support for Congress also, because it was busy in ‘Quit India’ Movement launched by it. full text of Allah Bakhsh Soomro’s letter to the viceroy of sindh, that paved way for his dismissal as the premier of sindh.

[An unprecedented thing happened which brought out in a striking manner the real character of British policy. The Premier of Sindh, Mr. Allah Bakhsh Soomro, who had publicly protested against the Government’s repressive policy, is dismissed from his office by the Sindh Governor. The extraordinary reason given is that Mr.Allah Bakhsh no longer possessed the Governor’s confidence and that he could not in consequence continue to hold office.

For the first time since the 1935 Act came into force, this new principle was applied that a Premier, though no motion of ‘no-confidence’ had been passed against him in a Legislature, could be dismissed from office by the Governor on the ground that he did not possess Governor’s confidence! The only offence of Allah Bakhsh, the Premier of Sindh was that, as a protest against Mr. Churchill’s statement, he renounced the honours which he had received from the Government.

“ I beg to inform your Excellency that I have decided to renounce both the honours I hold from the British Government as I feel I cannot consistently with my views and convictions retain them any longer.

India has been struggling for her national freedom for along time past. Upon the outbreak of the present war it was hoped that  under the very principles and ideology, in defence of which the Allies were waging a titanic conflict, India would be made free and participate in the world struggle as a free country. Convinced as I am that India has every to be free and that the people of India should have conditions in which they could live in peace and harmony, the declaration and action of the British Government have made. I clear  that, instead of giving their co-operation to various Indian parties and communities in settling their differences and parting with power to the people of land and allowing them to live happy in freedom and mould the destinies of their country according to their birthright, the policy of the British Government has been to continue their imperialistic hold on India and persist in keeping her under subjection, use the political and communal differences for propaganda purposes, and crush the national forces to serve their own imperialistic aims and intentions.

The last speech delivered by Mr. Wiston Churchill in the House of Commons has caused the greatest disappointment to all men of good will who wish to see rendered to India justice which is long due to her. As that helpless pronouncement withholds such justice from India and adds to the volume of evidence that Britain has no desire to give up her imperialistic hold on India, I feel I cannot retain the honours I hold from the British Government which in the circumstances that have arisen. I cannot but regard as tokens of British Imperialism.” (Source: ‘Source-Material on Allah Bakhsh Soomro’, compiled by Gul Hayat Institute).

28^th September 1942: “Hindu  Sansaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Azad” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) and “Sansaar Samachar”( Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing news regarding the cutting of telegraph wires near Junshahi. [Gul Hayat Collection].

In the Second half of September the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Indian political still appear to be more interesting than war news. But events in Russia are receiving close attention and Mr. Wendell Wilkie’s statement that it is high time a second front was opened was widely commented upon. There seems to be a little apprehension or an attack on Indian itself. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1942, 3^rd October, 1942.]

30^th September 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 93(Under Martial laws Reputations), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-38). Total is 95.

(b)   Prosecuted: 3(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 4(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-34), 10(Under Defense of India Rules-35),8(Under Defense of India Rules-38),5(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 4(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-86), 1 (Under Defense of India Rules-120) total is 34.

(c)    Convicted: 4(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-10), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-34) ,1 (Under Defense of India Rules-35), 6(Under Defense of India Rules-36), 5(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 6(Under Defense of India Rules-52) ,1(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-86) and 1(Under Defense of India Rules-120) Total is 38.

2^nd-9^th October 1942: The Indian political still appear to be more interesting than war news. But events in Russia are receiving close attention and Mr. Wendell Wilkie’s statement that it is high time a second front was opened was widely commented upon. There seems to be a little apprehension or an attack on Indian itself.

There has been no serious trouble with the Congress movement anywhere in the Province but attempts were made to take advantage of ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ on the 2^nd October and also on the occasion of the 9^th October to whip up enthusiasm for the cause. A number of meetings were held and ‘prabhat pheries’ were taken out. In most cases these activities were ignored but on one or two occasions the police were stoned and a number of arrests were made. The majority of the persons arrested were released the same day but some were prosecuted and fined.

The order under section 144, criminal procedure code, issued by the District Magistrate, Karachi, has now been withdrawn and a number of the less important Congress workers arrested early on have been released. Stray incidents however, still continue to occult and will probably continue to do so for some time. The colleges and schools are mainly closed for the usual vacation but the situation particularly in regard to the colleges is by no means satisfactory and the examinations with the exceptions of those of the local engineering college, which were held in Poona, have not been held owing to picketing by students.

Outside the Karachi there has been a little activity except for the issue of unauthorized bulletins which goes in merrily both in the city and elsewhere. 
One curious incident is perhaps worth recording. Early in months four business men from Bombay appeared in Mirpurkhas with ostensible reason of preventing the local owners of the cotton ginning factories from making deliveries of cotton. After some parley, negotiation appeared to be breaking down but meanwhile the District Magistrate had served them with an order to quit and they left for Bombay, Before they left they, however, bought 25,000 bales themselves. Whether they were out to stop deliveries or to get cheap cotton for themselves is not yet clear, but anyway the amount purchased is not large enough to have any appreciable effect on the situation. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of October 1942, 19^th October, 1942.]

5^th October 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation of Sindh that “The Provincial Sindh Muslim League is not a happy family and Allah Bux Soomro is trying hard to catch Shaikh Abdul Majeed Sindhi from the League and induce him to join him his own party. Muslim League’s are quarreling over the control and disbursement of the little bits of money they have managed to collect for blood relieve. [D.O. No. 376/F.R-]

6^th October 1942: “Karachi Daily” is warned For Publishing misleading news. [Gul Hayat Collection].

8^th October 1942: “Sansaar Samachaar”,“Sind Observer” ,“Karachi Daily”,“Sind Samachar”,“Al wahid” is warned for publishing new relating to  the cutting of telegraph wires. [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th October 1942: Poet Bhagwan Nirdosh is born at Darya Khan Marri later on migrates to Ahmadabad [Gul Hayat Collection]

First half of October Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The Resistance put up by the Russian at stalingard has evoked widespread admiration. Editorial comments express a hope of the turning of the tide in favor of the Allies. Hitler’s speech was published with adverse comments but the “Sind Observer “wondered why his reference to India had been omitted in Reuters’ dispatch. Little interest is both shown in other theatres of war.
The dictatorial comments made by the “Times” of London in the Indian political statements were featured with banner headlines were favorably commented upon. Mr. Amery indictment of the congress in the House of Commons evoked bitter criticism. The “Sind Observer” characterized it as voice of the a chorus girl in a Greek tragedy” while the “Daily Gazette” uttered and dictum that “great empires and little minds go ill together” and ended by appealing to Indians to do all to help the fighting men and working men to win the war and win it quickly. The “Sansar Samachar” refused to admit that the present disturbances were the work of Mahatama Gandhi and opined that those who were indulging in acts of violence were out to malign the congress. The effort of the Hindu Mahasabha have not evoked any enthusiasm. The nationalist papers deplore the decision of the Viceroy not to allow interviews with the Congress leaders.

The embargo on the Hajj pilgrimage has since been adversely commented upon by the “Azad” and the “Alwahid” the two Muslim Sindhi dailies, who urge the Government of India reconsider their decision.

Nationalist papers speaks with two voices with one the eulogize the effort of the congress in the advancing the cause of the Indian freedom and the other way condemns two acts of violence committed in the wake of the Congress movement. The “Daily Gazette” ask the misguided people who resort the reckless sabotage and destruction whether they realize what harm they are doing to their countrymen and country’s political advancement and “The Destruction of property”, the paper goes on to say, “involves a waste of public money, additional taxation and additional burdens”.

The topic which has attacked the largest measures or attention during the fortnight has been the removal of Mr. Allah bakhsh the former premiere from his office. All the three English dailies question of the constitutional property of his Excellency the Governor in removing the premier from office when he had not lost the confidence of assembly. The Daily Gazette opined that Mr. Allah bakhsh will now pass for “a hero punished unjustly and unfairly for his political opinion”, “The Azad” foresee in the dismissal great sacrifice in the part of Mr. Allah bakhsh and great future for him. The “Hindu Sansar” and The “Daily Sind News” deplore the action of his Excellency the Governor. The “Alwahid”, on the other hand welcome the removal premier of ex-Governor and adds it has come as a relief to the Muslims. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of October 1942, 19^th October, 1942.]

15^th October 1942: Folklore Poet Noonh Panhwar breathes his last. [Gul Hayat Collection].

17-21^st October 1942: The Civil Disobedience movement went its weary way In Karachi students continue to make a nuisance of themselves “prabhat pheries” attempt to create sympathy and small meetings are being held, An  order under section 144, Criminal procedure code, prohibiting meetings and procession is still in force but meetings which do not appear likely to create trouble are being ignored. The local colleges have now closed for the vacation s which should normally have begun the 17^th October,  but arrangement are being made to hold the various examinations. The spate of bulletins, some very violent in tone, show no sign of diminution. There is little actively outside Karachi although the railway telegraph and telephone line was cut near Jungshahi about 40 miles from Karachi on the night of 21^st.

There is however, on aspect of the movement which may call for action. Pressure is being exerted from Bombay. A deputation of interested person has arrived from that city- to endeavors to prevent the owner of ginning factories from selling cotton, particularly to British owned firms. The Deputation is reported to be promising to compensate the factory owners from Congress Funds for any loss they may suffer. So far little success has attended their efforts but the situation is being carefully watched.

The Muslim community have kept completely aloof from the movement. The Statement of Shaikh Abdul Majid M.L.A ex minister, and Secretary of Sind Provincial Muslim League, criticizing “repression” and advocating release of Indian Leaders was condemned at a meeting of the working Committee of Sind Provincial Muslim League. Shaikh Abdul Majid explained that the statement was an expression of his personal views and was not made by him as the General Secretary of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League. It was held that the statement was objectionable. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1942, 3^rd October, 1942.]

In the First half of October the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The removal of Mr. Allahbakhsh from his office of premiere and speculation regarding the formation of a new Ministry have attracted more attention locally than news of the war. The heroic defense of Stalingrad and indeed the efforts of the Russian Army as a whole continue, however, to excite general admiration and this coupled with the somewhat apologetic strain of Hitler’s latest speech has led to a rise in Allied Stock. The remainder of the war news has not evoked much comment although some interest has been expressed in connection with events in the Solomon Islands.
Local leaders of the National War Front have held a number of well attended meetings in the Nawabshah and THar Parkar Districts and have also issued bulletins to counteract the mischievous propaganda contained in the unauthorized bulletins which are being circulated.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of October 1942, 19^th October, 1942.]

In the Second half of October Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The opening of an attack by the Right Army has been welcomed both as a sign that the Allied Forces are taking to the offensive and as a factor likely to have a beneficial effect on opinion in Turkey and Egypt. Admiration for the Russians increases day by day and it is considered quite on the cards that Stalingrad may prove as impossible of capture this year as Chittagong and parts of Assam caused little or no comment.
The abrogation of the extra-territorial rights in China by the British and American Government has been commended as a first step towards the re-orientation of the European policy towards the Asiatic countries. The “Daily Gazette” saw in the abrogation an application of the principles of the Atlantic Charter to Asia. The “Sind Observer”, however, with its usual perverseness remarked that this magnanimous gesture has been dimmed to some extent by the British intentions to continue such rights in Hong Kong and also complained that the recent Ordinance of the Government of India against members of the Military and Naval Forces of the United States amounted to the application of extra-territorial rights in India. Mr. Wendell Willkie’s recent broadcast was given great prominence and was generally hold to be a valuable contribution to the Indian problem.

There is much dissatisfaction at the continuance of the political stalemate and there is now more expression of a desire for settlements coupled with a certain amount of open condemnation of acts of violence.
Local politics continue to be the main interest and the two Hindu Ministers who have joined the new Ministry have come in for much unrestrained criticism. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of October 1942, 4^th November, 1942.]

In the Second half of October The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Outrages by Hurs continue has continued to make a spectacle of itself by adjourning its meeting on the slightest pretext but there is little hope that it will over do anything else. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of October 1942, 4^th November, 1942.]

In the Second half of October the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Apart from an occasional comment on the defense of Stalingrad, the obscurity of the position in the Solomon islands area and the new offensive in Egypt, one hears little discussion of the war and there is no doubt that the average person in Sind considers himself as very little concerned with it. There seems to be a general feeling that all will be well in the end but that no-one knows when that will be. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of October 1942, 4^th November, 1942.]

Second half of October Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The opening of an attack by the Right Army has been welcomed both as a sign that the Allied Forces are taking to the offensive and as a factor likely to have a beneficial effect on opinion in Turkey and Egypt. Admiration for the Russians increases day by day and it is considered quite on the cards that Stalingrad may prove as impossible of capture this year as Chittagong and parts of Assam caused little or no comment.
The abrogation of the extra-territorial rights in China by the British and American Government has been commended as a first step towards the re-orientation of the European policy towards the Asiatic countries. The “Daily Gazette” saw in the abrogation an application of the principles of the Atlantic Charter to Asia. The “Sind Observer”, however, with its usual perverseness remarked that this magnanimous gesture has been dimmed to some extent by the British intentions to continue such rights in Hong Kong and also complained that the recent Ordinance of the Government of India against members of the Military and Naval Forces of the United States amounted to the application of extra-territorial rights in India. Mr. Wendell Willkie’s recent broadcast was given great prominence and was generally hold to be a valuable contribution to the Indian problem.

There is much dissatisfaction at the continuance of the political stalemate and there is now more expression of a desire for settlements coupled with a certain amount of open condemnation of acts of violence.
Local politics continue to be the main interest and the two Hindu Ministers who have joined the new Ministry have come in for much unrestrained criticism. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of October 1942, 4^th November, 1942.]

18^th October 1942: Social workerZafar Sangi is born at Larkano. [Gu Hayat Collection]

21^st October 1942: Writer Rashida Hijab is born at Shikarpur. [Gul Hayat Collection]

22^nd October 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprinsing him of inducting Hindu Ministers in Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah’s Cabinet. They R.S. Gokuldus and Dr. Hemandas Vadhwani. [L.O. No. 389/F.R]

22^nd October 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sind writes to Viceroy and Governor General of India to apprising that dismissal of Allah Bux from the Premiership has been much criticized in Sindh Press but I have paid no regard to these criticism. [D.O.No: 389/F.R.]

31^st October 1942: JournalistHussain Bux Talpur is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

31^st October 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

Detained: 13(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 1 The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 93(Under Martial laws Reputations), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-129) total 14.

(b)   Prosecution: 1(Under Defense of India Rules-5), 5(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-9), 12(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-90) total 24.

(c)    Convicted: 15 (Martial Law Regulations), 125 (Indian Penal Code), 33(Under Defense of India Rules-38), Total 77.

In the First half of November Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The action taken by the Allied Forces in French North Africa has been greatly acclaimed although there is a tendency to overlook the fact that the moves could not have been made without the British Navy’s command of the sea. The general Press opinion is that the German High Command is faced with a very serious situation and that the German-Italian divisions in Libya are faced with the prospect of surrender or annihilation. Hope is expressed that the operations in North Africa will be a prelude to the opening of a Second Front in Europe. Interest in the battle for Stalingrad has slackened somewhat and less interest has been taken in the struggle in the Solomon.
Comments on the success of the Republicans in the recent United States elections generally take the line that Mr. Roosevelt’s position is not at stake, for all the parties including the Isolationists are solidly behind him for the efficient prosecution of the War. The “Sind Observer” put forward the view that the results of the elections show that President Roosevelt is slipping from the position of vantage he had occupied so far, but hopes that the heat generated by the elections will not deter the U.S.A from the mighty task it has set before itself. The article contributed by Mr. Louis Fischer in the “Nation”, New York, on the Cripps, mission has been reproduced in the “Daily Gazette”, which paper considers that only the intervention of  His Majesty the King can bring about the desired effect in India. The refusal of His Excellency the Viceroy to permit Mr. Rajagopalacharia to interview Mahatama Gandhi has been generally deplored.
The “Daily Gazette” commenting on the Ordinance making paper-money defaced with political slogans illegal tender, states that the orders will cause great hardship to illiterate persons who are not likely to understand the significance of political slogans and suggests that the withdrawing of the paper-money and its replacement by coins would be a more satisfactory proposition. Complaints against the rise in prices of foodstuffs and other commodities have reappeared and the “Karachi Daily” protests strongly against the export of rice to Ceylon and of wheat to other parts outside India. The “Azad” is the only Muslim paper to continue its appeal to Government to make arrangements for the transportation of pilgrims to the Haj. The local press was asked not to publish the following items:-
(1) Statement of Mr. Hussain Zaheer on the Goodwill Mission to Russia; 
(2) Comments on the arrangements for the repatriation of Indian and British passengers from Japanese occupied countries; and 
(3) Draft Resolution before the last session of the Executive Committee of the Muslim League threatening direct action if Pakistan was not conceded and the draft Resolution on Palestine.
The Press in Sind refrained from publishing these items or commenting on them.  [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of November 1942, 18^thNovember, 1942.]

5^th November 1942: The Sindh Governor H. Dow writes to the Viceroy and Governor General of India apprising him of political situation of the Sindh and justifies his action for asking Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah to form Ministry in Sindh. [Letter No. L.O. NO. 414/F.R.]

5^th November 1942: There is no marked change in the political situation. The present Congress movement persists although its manifestations have more of a nuisance value than anything else. Unauthorized bulletins and leaflets continue to appear but on a somewhat reduced scale and there have been a number of cases of incendiaries. Some 30 bales of loose cotton were set fire to by moans of phosphorus in a railway godown at Sukkur, a second class compartment in a a Railway parcels office at Mirpurkhas and a Railway Booking Office at Nawabshah were also damaged by fire, fortunately very slightly. Post boxes have also been interfered with and section in Karachi. Such scattered incidents are difficult to deal with but it is hoped that steady pressure will gradually bring them to an end.

The colleague in Karachi have re-opened and although there have been attempts to picket, the average attendance is now more than 50 percent.

Picketing at the houses of the two Hindu Ministers has now ceased.

Supporters of the Congress did not celebrate “Divali” and some markets were closed on the 5^th instant as a protest against the detention of the Congress leaders. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of November 1942, 18^thNovember, 1942.]

In the First half of November the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The recent successes of the Eight Army and the landings in French North Africa have created much interest and hope is freely expressed that at last the tide is on the turn. With the Russians still holding out at Stalingrad, the German and Italian Armies in an extremely difficult position in North Africa and the Japanese being held in the Solomon Islands area, it is generally considered that Hitler must be beginning to realize the weight of the forces which will ultimately be brought against him.  The danger is that a too-optimistic feeling will assert itself but nonetheless the recent news has been a good and much needed tonic.
The Assistant Provincial Organizer toured Karachi, Dadu, Hyderabad, and Thar Parkar districts, where meetings were held which were addressed by Leaders and Sub-Leaders. Full use was made of the Publicity Van in Karachi district and of lantern slides, showing war subjects in order districts. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of November 1942, 18^thNovember, 1942.]

Government report says that “Three of the four Muslim ministers are now members of the Muslim League, and the other (Pir Illahi Bakhsh) is alleged to be fence-sitting. He will almost certainly follow their example if Jinnah can be induced to give his blessing, or even to withdraw his open disapproval. Khuhro and Gazdar have just gone to Dehli to argue with Jinnah, and are openly sanguine of success. Sir Ghulam’s adhesion to the League has certainly given Jinnah a line of honorable retreat, but I do not count on it too much, for Jinnah has strong personal antipathies which he sometimes deliberately indulges against his interests. The ministers at any rate are not likely to budge and if Jinnah does not give way, he will hardly be able to pretend in future that his Pakistan policy has even the most tenuous hold over the Muslim of Sind”. [D.O.No. 414/F.R., 5^th November 1942]

16^th November 1942: Writer Ponam Chandromalani is born at Hyderabad later on migrates to Mumbai [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the Second half of November Government reports says that “The two Hindu members have at present hardly any following in the Assembly, and Nihchaldas is working ceaselessly against them. The picketing has been rather disgraceful. The possibility of adopting this form of coercion seems to have been first mooted as a possibility in the meetings of the Hindu Independent Party, and when Gokuldas and Hemadas broke away and joined the Ministry, Nihchaldas at once issued a statement to the press that he hoped the new ministers would not be picketed. This of course, was entirely of a piece with Brer Rabbit’s advice to BrerFox not to throw him in the briar patch, and was just as successful. Next day both Ministers were picketed mainly be schoolchildren and woman under Congress incitement, and a crude bomb was thrown one night outside Hemandas’s residence. It was one of the ingredients in this bomb which provided the clue which has led to the discovery of the amateur bomb factory and the arrests referred to in the official report”.  [D.O.No. 414/F.R, 5^th November 1942]

Stray incidents connected with the civil disobedience movement persist but to all intents and purposes the movement in this province is dead and such incidents as have occurred of late are not worth reporting. Attendance in the Karachi Colleges has steadily improved and has now reached 80 percent.
Mr. Nihchaldas C. Vazirani an ex-Minister, is still trying to mobilize Hindu opinion against the two Hindu Ministers in the existing Ministry but the recent advice of Mr. Savakar to Sind Hindus to support the present Ministry will make it extremely difficult for him to make much headway. The Honorable Pir Illahi Bakhsh has joined the Muslim League which now claims twenty sixM.L.As out of thirty five Muslim M.L.As in a house of sixty members. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1942, 4^th December, 1942.]

In the Second half of November The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Extensive operations for the rounding up of wanted Hurs continue in the Martial Law area and a number of arrests have been made during the fortnight. Four offences of dacoity and murder in which Hurs were involved have taken place in the area during the same period. Many rumors are afloat regarding the Pir and it is being freely stated that he will be brought to trial. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1942, 4^th December, 1942.]

In the Second half of November Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: While the continued progress of the Allied Forces in North Africa has received its due need of praise, the prowess of the Russian Armies has been given pride of place by all the provincial newspaper. The general estimates appears to be that Hitler is now in real corner from which he will find it exceedingly difficult to extricate himself. It also seems to be thought that event in the Pacific will to some extent be made to wait upon those in Europe.
France continues to excite alternately pity and respect. The mobilization order in Spain is not considered to be any special significance it is taken to signify a state of preparedness already adopted in neutral countries such as Turkey, Spain, it is though will cling to her neutrality.
The elimination of Sir Stafford Cripps from the Cabinet is regretted and regarded as ominous for India. It is feared that his removal will facility the activities of the more reactionary elements in the Cabinet as far as India is concerned. The Prime Minister’s Mansion House speech in which he expressed his determination not allow the liquidation of the Empire has come in for a good deal of criticism and is regarded as a pointer to his Indian Policy. The “Sind Observer” commenting on the Prime Minister’s speech stated that with every Allied victory there has been a hardening of attitude towards India. The “Daily Gazette” pleading for the release of Mahatma Gandhi opined that he alone can quell the violence which has demoralized the public life of this country.
The shelving of the Grady Report is also regretted and its publication is now demanded by those very papers which had formerly regarded the setting up of the Mission with suspicion.
There is much comment on the scarcity of newsprint and it is suggested that the Indian paper mills should be compelled to manufacture newsprint. The “Sind Observer” makes a plea that the sterling balance at India’s credit should be used to liquidate the foreign capital invested in Indian industries and should not be repaid in the form of goods.
The same paper gave currency to the rumors regarding the suggested trial of the Pir Pagaro and wrote a leading article condemning the Pir but suggesting that he should not be tried as his trial and the infliction of the extreme penalty of death will drive the Hurs mad with vengeance. The “Muslim Voice” suggested that the editor of the “Sind Observer” has been “bought up” by the sympathizers of the Pir.
Interest in the Congress campaign has almost ceased and there is more open condemnation of acts of violence.   [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1942, 4^th December, 1942.]

21^st November 1942: “Sindhi” (Sindhi weekly of Sukkur) ,“Daily Sind News” (Sindhi daily of Hyderabad, Sind), “Sind Savak” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) “Sind Samachar” (Gujarati daily of Karachi), “HItechhu” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) ,“Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) , “Karachi Daily” ,“Sind Observer”, “Azad” (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Hindustan” (Sindhi weekly of Karachi) ,“Al-Wahid” & “Hindu Sansar”(Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned For Publishing news item in contravention of the Government of Sind, Home Department (special ), Notification No. S. D-146/42, dated the 2^nd November 1942, issued under Rule 41(1) of the Defense of India Rules. (Acts of sabotage directed towards Post Office). [Gul Hayat Collection]

23^rd November 1942: “Sindhi” (Sindhi weekly of Sukkur) ,“Daily Sind News” (Sindhi daily of Hyderabad, Sind), “Sind Savak” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) “Sind Samachar” (Gujarati daily of Karachi), “HItechhu” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) ,“Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) , “Karachi Daily” ,“Sind Observer”, “Azad” (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Hindustan” (Sindhi weekly of Karachi) ,“Al-Wahid” & “Hindu Sansar”(Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned For Publishing news item in contravention of the Government of Sind, Home Department (special ), Notification No. S. D-146/42, dated the 2^nd November 1942, issued under Rule 41(1) of the Defense of India Rules. (Acts of sabotage directed towards Post Office). [Gul Hayat Collection]

25^th November 1942: “Sindhi” (Sindhi weekly of Sukkur) ,“Daily Sind News” (Sindhi daily of Hyderabad, Sind), “Sind Savak” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) “Sind Samachar” (Gujarati daily of Karachi), “HItechhu” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) ,“Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) , “Karachi Daily” ,“Sind Observer”, “Azad” (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Hindustan” (Sindhi weekly of Karachi) ,“Al-Wahid” & “Hindu Sansar”(Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned For Publishing news item in contravention of the Government of Sind, Home Department (special ), Notification No. S. D-146/42, dated the 2^nd November 1942, issued under Rule 41(1) of the Defense of India Rules. (Acts of sabotage directed towards Post Office). [Gul Hayat Collection]

26^th November 1942: “Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) is asked to deposit Scrutiny before publication for a period of 2 months. He has decided to close as a mark of protest. [Gul Hayat Collection]

27^th November 1942: “Subh-e-ZIndangi” (Sindhi weekly of Jacobabad) , “Sindhi” (Sindhi weekly of Sukkur) ,“Daily Sind News” (Sindhi daily of Hyderabad, Sind), “Sind Savak” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) “Sind Samachar” (Gujarati daily of Karachi), “HItechhu” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) ,“Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) , “Karachi Daily” ,“Sind Observer”, “Azad” (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Hindustan” (Sindhi weekly of Karachi) ,“Al-Wahid” & “Hindu Sansar”(Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned For Publishing news item in contravention of the Government of Sind, Home Department (special ), Notification No. S. D-146/42, dated the 2^nd November 1942, issued under Rule 41(1) of the Defense of India Rules. (Acts of sabotage directed towards Post Office). [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the Second half of November the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “A very lively interest continues to be taken in the war news and the magnificent achievements of the Russian Armies and events in Northern Africa have evoked much speculates as to future developments. Warnings have appeared that too much in the way of good news cannot be expected but there is no doubt that further successes are being hoped for. Considerable sympathy has been expressed for the French in their present difficulties. The struggle in the Pacific has not caused much comment, possibly owing to the time-lag in the appearance of news from that quarter. All round, feelings of confidence are beginning to reassert themselves.

Meetings were held under the auspices of the National War Front at the various places on November 22^nd in which the significance of Allied successes in North Africa were explained and prayers were offered for the ultimate victory of the Allies. The Assistant Organizer, National War Front, toured Sukkur, Larkana and Dadu districts in company with the Honorable Minister, Education Department, and organized meeting in support of the Front. The Hyderabad Publicity Van, which is fitted up with 35mm. film projector apparatus, showed a number of Film Advisory Board films and proved a great attraction.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1942, 4^th December, 1942.]

25^th November 1942: Poet Abdul Ghafoor 'Aid' is born at Mir Hassan. [Gul Hayat Collection]

30 November 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 70 Hurs(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 726((Under Defense of India Rules-129)

(b)   Prosecution: 16 (Indian Penal Code) , 27( special Laws), 10(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 6(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-9), 9(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 9(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-81), Total is 45.

(c)    Convicted: 134 (Under Martial Law Regulation), 36( Indian Penal Code), 11(Under Defense of India Rules-52).

1^st December 1942: for taking part in civil disobedience movement 134 congress workers are awarded imprisonment under various laws, 9 persons are awarded imprisonment under Indian Penal code and 75 under defense of India Rules their total 218. Whereas 85 workers are detained their particulars are 76 under section 26 of defense of India rule and 9 under other laws.[Gul Hayat Collection]

3^rd December 1942: Congress leaders and workers arrested during 'Quit India Movement' are released in Sindh. [Gul Hayat Collection]

 5^th December 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sind writes to Viceroy and Governor General of India to apprising the political, social and administrative conditions. He compares the state of political party in Sindh with that of England about the end of reign of George I and said that “Fluid Element” or also in Sind Politics to him there are in Sind hardly any party are  personal loyalities strong enough to withstand the temptation rupees 1500 or even Rs. 500 a month. D.O. No: 414/F.R.]

3^rd – 10^th December 1942: As stated in my last report, the Congress movement is in reality dead but attempts are being made to keep the body from decent burial. Incidents such as the explosion of cracker bombs in two of the Karachi colleges a similar incident in Sukkur, causing no damage in any case, and the partial burning of the contents of two letters boxes in Karachi have occurred. Attempts at speeches, parbhat pheries, and the circulation of bulletins also persist but they seem more for forms sake than anything else. The colleges and schools on the whole are functioning well and there is evidence that a fair number of the students in jail wish to be released in order to continue their studies. The local Cotton, Grain, Cloth and Seeds markets remained closed on the 3^rd and 10^th of the month for political reasons and the Indian Merchants’ Association, the Cotton Association, the New Cloth Market and other similar bodies have resolved to close on the 9^th of each month in future. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of December 1942, 18^thDecember, 1942.]

10^th December 1942: PoetMuhammad Talib Soomro his last breathes at Tando Ali Sher. [Gul Hayat Collection].

12^th December 1942: Religious Scholar, poet, Journalist & Freedom Fighter Hakim faith Muhammad Sehwani breathes his last at Karachi.[ Gul Hayat Collection]

First half of December Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: As a whole the Press does justice to the objective side of the war news but when the various papers have published the contents of the telegrams and communiqués they are more or less finished. Some comment they do make but it is very mixed.

Such pronunciations as the speech made by the Prime Minister by Lord Cranbourne, etc. are eagerly scrutinized and generally deplored as revealing no change in British Imperialism or in the policy of Great Britain towards India. A paper such as the “Sind Observer” might almost be disappointed if such a change became evident. Similarly with speeches made by Mr. Wendell Willkie in America – all such utterances are closely examined for references to India.
Sir William Beveridge’s social reforms scheme also received attention and one paper said it was clear that the Indian Empire would have to continue to be plundered to pay for social reforms in the United Kingdom. The Jam Sahibs’s addressed to the East India Association was generally regards as showing greater regard for the rights of the princes than for liberties of their subjects. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of December 1942, 18^thDecember, 1942.]

In the First half of December the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Recent events and the evidence of the continued pressure being exerted by the Allied Forces have created a strong feeling of confidence throughout the province and the view is now widely hold, although grudgingly in some quarters, that there is no question as to the ultimate outcome of the war. In fact, over confidence is now likely to be dangerous. But while this is so, domestic matters such as the scarcity and high prices of the ordinary necessities of life and the blatant profiteering going on are much more the concern of the ordinary individual than progress of the war. The man in street possibly because he does not give full credit for the many difficulties inherent in the problem of food and price control in a country such as India, is plainly of the opinion that the whole business of control has been made a complete mess of. He is being continually subjected to assurances that all is well but fact remains that he cannot get his supplies at what he considers to be a reasonable price.
The premiere the Honorable Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah, has now assumed the leadership of the Front and has begun a tour in the Karachi District in order to give further stimulus to the movement. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of December 1942, 18^thDecember, 1942.]

Second half of December Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The attitude of the Press towards the war remains the same, news of it is given adequate presentations but other matters are the main concern. Such subjects as the address of His Excellency the Viceroy to the Associated Chamber of Commerce the Sapru Conference, the Pakistan movement and the like provide the chief topics for discussion and for the continual repetition of the old threadbare arguments, the principal one being that the British Government is solely responsible for the lack of unity among Indians. This argument if it were not so tragic would be comic.
The orders barning the publication of reference to the fast of Professor Bhansali has evoked considerable resentment and the local papers blacked out the Honors Lists and have decided to close down for the 6^th.
The food and fuel shortage and what is described as the price control middle continues to receive much attention.

The death of Sir Sikander Hayat Khan has been universally mourned. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1942, 6^thJanuary, 1943.]

In the Second half of December the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The feeling of confidence in the outcome of the war, referred to in my last report, is now stronger than ever owing to the remarkable successes achieved by the Russian Armies and the progress of the war generally. That the end of the struggle with the Axis powers is now in sight as a view very often expressed. Apart from some query whether the Japanese air-raids on Calcutta have been fully reported, the raids themselves have not evoked a great deal of comment and such as has been made has been in no way objectionable. People are still far more concerned with soaring prices and the difficulty experienced in securing the common necessities of life than in either the war or the political situation. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1942, 6^th January, 1943.]

In the Second half of December The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: There has been somewhat of recrudescence crime by Hurs and twelve cases of dacoity and murder occurred during the fortnight. These resulted in death of eight persons and in the theft of considerable property. 
The Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh held a number of parades in Hyderabad and in consequences four of the leaders were arrested and brought before the Martial Law Authorities. They were admonished and released on an undertaking not to indulge in such activity for the period of the war. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1942, 6^thJanuary, 1943.]

Second half of December 1942 There is little to report. Congress bulletins continue to be circulated through on a reduced scale, some containing poisonous anti-British propaganda based on Axis broadcasts. There was a salt making demonstration by some Karachi Congressites when an attempt was med to prepare salt from sea water. Such ‘parbha pherries’ and processions as have been attempted have been very poorly attended. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1942, 6^thJanuary, 1943.]

29^th December 1942: “Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing news regarding the fast of Professor Bhansali. [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th December 1942: PoetMuhammad Bux 'Niaz' is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th December 1942:“Daily Sind News” (Sindhi daily of Hyderabad, Sind) is warned for publishing allegations against the military near Tando Jam District Hyderabad. [Gul Hayat Collection]

31 December 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 78 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 729 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-129), 80(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 9(other laws).

(b)   Prosecution: 66(Special Rule), 7(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 7(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 16(Under Defense of India Rules-9), 5(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-34), 13(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-46), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 15(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 22(Under Defense of India Rules-89), 7(Under Defense of India Rules-129).

(c)    Conviction: 42(Special Rules), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 17(Under Defense of India Rules-9), 2 (Under Defense of India Rules- 26), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-45), 11(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-81) and 7(Under Defense of India Rules-129), 5(martial Law Regulations).