The Nehru Report and Muslim Rights — Page 171
[ 171 l Jem ale sex also. We cannot deprive a whole section of humanity entirely of its rights. At the same time it can not be denied that the introduction of adult and women suffrage would mean considerable loss to the Muslim community, on account of the general backwardness in education particularly among the females. Again there is the question of Purdah. If it were made compulsory for every voter, man or woman, to exercise his or her right of vote and punishment attached to default as is the case in Czechoslovakia, then perhaps the Musli� women might be induced to go to the polling station ; otherwise it is almost impossible. ,It is, therefore, important to give our best thought to the question and devise some via media. FOREIGN RELATIONS. Another question relates to foreign relations. The Nehru-Report contains a brief note on this subject. It has cleverly avoided a discussion of the sub3ect in detail. The hint, however, is sufficient to serve as an eye-opener to the Mussalmans. It purports to suggest that the future Government of India shall deal with the neighbouring Asiatic Powers in the same way as is being done hitherto by Great Britain, through the agency of Government of India. To me it would be an evil day for the Muslim States, when the control of India's foreign policy would fall into the hands of those who have the intention of hoisting the Rag of ·,Om' in the Hedjaz, and they would control India's relation with Arabia, Afghanistan and Persia. The relations of Great Britain with these Asiatic States are based on an altogether different foundation. The consideration of economic supremacy alone governs their policy. But a free India, which is so early dream ing of political supremacy, will view these relations from a different standpoint. I am, therefore, of opinion that