The Nehru Report and Muslim Rights — Page 105
[ 105 ] POLITICAL ASPECT OF THE DEMAND. Let us now consider the political aspect of the ques tion. It would be bad politics to keep the two provinces in their present state of bondage, and real statesmanship would be to grant them independence. If the claims of Sindh be ignored, a fierce storm of agitation may well be apprehended. This has been admitted by the Nehru Report also. And in the event of the N. W. F. Provinces and Balu chistan being denied a representative form of Govern ment, both the provinces, being situated on the border, are likely to become hot beds of foreign intrigues. A sound policy, therefore, lies in keeping the bordering pro vinces thoroughly satisfied. Otherwise such provinces afford fertile grounds for enemy's activities, and in con sequence, the country is divided against itself, thus weakening the Government. Bordering provinces kept in l a position of inferiority would not consent to remain at tached to India ; and it is not improbable that they might join hands with other powers to secure their freedom. Evidently, therefore, it will be bad politics to deny auto nomy to the N. W. F. Provinces and Baluchistan. Such action will not only pave the way for a civil war in India, but will serve to plant in India advance ports of foreign powers. II think I have conclusively proved that the demand for three new Muslim provinces is just, and no body stands to lose if the same is satisfied, al)d that from a political point of view also its advisability is unquestion able. The rejection of so reasonable a demand shows that the Nehru-Report is a product of communal bias. So long as the majority continues to be so prejudiced, it rannot inspire the minority with any degree of confidence.