The Nehru Report and Muslim Rights — Page 188
l 189 l lower itself in the estimation of future generations, if in this age of freedom and liberty it would. by a mere stroke of the pen, hand over in everlasting slavery 80 millions of free souls to a community which is notorious for meeting out the most heartless and disgraceful treatment to its slaves. The slaves of every othet nation have, in the course of time, come to their own and regained freedom. But after the passage of thousands of years the slaves of the Hindus under the name of � • untouchables '' even to-day bear most melan choly testimony to the extremely inhuman and cruel institution of slavery as practised among the Hindus. Let England beware that the moment she makes up her mind to free India from her bondage, the Muslims of this country will naturally regard themselves to have got their freedom. They will then be perfectly justified to demand the protection and security of their political rights, and if these are not conceded they will be entitled to refuse to associate ther:1selves with any system designed to crush their independence, and will have to set up a new one under which they will be able to maintain their liberty. The Muslim believes in One All-Powerful God, and fears none but Him. He will never stoop to be treated like •• Untouchables " by any community and will consider no sacrifice too great to combat any mischievous attempt to enslave him. --:o:-- THE END.