Sir — This refers to the article, “Now, Iron Man is to blame for partition!” (November 20) by Rajesh Singh.
The debate on partition is an unending chapter. The British, the Muslim league and the Congress are collectively responsible for the event. Therefore, to apportion blame on a particular person is unfair. In April 1942, C Rajagopalachari forewarned the Congress that the British would not leave without dividing India. The Congress scoffed at his idea, but subsequent events proved him right. The British, known for their diplomatic skills, made Mohammed Ali Jinnah a significant factor in the transfer of the power. Jinnah’s demand was nothing short of a separate state for Muslims.
In 1939-1940, Jinnah told the British that the Muslims would not be safe without partition. At london, the electoral victory of the labour party in July 1945 saw Clement Atlee become Prime Minister. This, and the fact that the British knew Jinnah was would not survive for long because of an incurable disease, hastened India’s independence. The British succeeded in dividing the country. They even managed to create divisions in Jammu & Kashmir, thus simultaneously giving rise to a permanent problem for both Pakistan and India. The Muslim league’s recourse to Direct Action in August 1946 scuttled remaining hopes.