The Nehru Report and Muslim Rights — Page 78
t [. 78 _] sufferings. These brotherly sentiments are reciprocated by the foreign Muslims, and even ·if they are not in a position to actively help one another, there is no doubt that they feel grieved to learn of their misfortunes. Under the circumstances the majority community in India is sure always to remain suspicious of the Muslims and ob struct their progress. This is not an imaginary fear. Do not the Hindus complain that Muslims do not regard themselves as the sons of the soi1 and are inclined to keep relations with foreigners? The Hindus may not be asking it in so many vvords, but the question, no doubt, arises in their minds-what will be the attitude of the Indian Muslims in the event of a war between India and Afghanistan, Persia or Arabia? Will they not support their brethren across the border? If they do, then cer tainly there will always be present an element of weak ness in the Government of India. God alone knows, what the Muslims will do if such a contingency arises ; but the suspicion which has 1nore than once found ex pression from the Hindu leaders will, no doubt, continue to obsess the Hindu minds, and they ,-vill naturally think it to be a service to the motherland to hamper the pro gress of the Mussalmans. I am at one with my Hindu compatriot in the opinion that the development of pat riotic sentiments within limits of justice and reason is essential for the purpose of Self-Government. But at the same time, I cannot understand how the Muslims could su p press their broader sentiments of affectionate attach ment towards the Muslims all over the world. They have acquired this mentality through centuries, and it has p ractically become their second nature. Nor should it be overlooked that I have qualified the sentiment of pat,. riotism by justice and reason. If, in near or remote future, India resolves to hoist the flag of • Om • on the Holy Kaba, as the Arya leaders have already declared it to