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Bibliography & Appendices 101 created a great problem of law and order in the area of Patna, Gaya and Shahabad. It concentrated mostly on the forceful harvest and tilling of bakasht land of Zamindars, no rent no tax payment was to be paid either to Zamindars and or to the Government.161 The Red Kissan Sabha was a secret side of the organisation on terrorist line. 162 On 7th October 1942 a meeting of the Kisan council was held under the president ship of Swami Shahjanand. Resolutions were passed condemning alike Government reperession and the sabotage and violence which had been committed. It appealed to the united nations to bring about a satisfactory compromise. Swami Shahjanand and other Kisan leaders seemed to be anxious to carry a propaganda against the recent lawlessness but at the same time they did not want anything to be done, which might allow Congress to be crushed as this would have result in the collapse of the Kisan Sabha and sister organisations. The Kisan leaders seemed to be mor concerned with securing the release of some of their men who had been arrested in connection with the recent disturbances or obtaining exemptions for them from collective fines. Local officers of Gaya district still suspected the bonafides of the pro-war declarations of Swami Shahjanand and it was reported from Gaya that his abvice to the Kisans was objectionable as he was secretly encouraging them to harvest the crop of bakast and bhawli lands which would lead to friction with the Zamindars.163 Differences between Swami Shahjanand and the communist element in the kisan sabha led to the separation of the office of the “hunkar”, the party organ, from that of the communists and the appointment of Jamuna karjee to be 161.Bihar F.no. 79/42 162.Ibid. 163.Ibid.

102 Quit India Movement in old Patna division in charge of the paper. Swami Shahjanand also refused to accept the communist contention that Government is entirely responsible for the present situation but attributed the blame chiefly to Congress attempt to hamper the war efforts. At a Paliganj meeting Ali Ashraf exhorted the people to finish government as it was weak and its machinery was worn out. The Swami in evident disapproval of Ali Ashraf’s speech left the meeting while Ali Ashraf was speaking. On 15/12/1942 in a meeting of Kisan Sabha resolution to boycott the district board election and calling upon the Government to omit the punitive tax on kisans in Bihar sub division of Patna district was passed. Before quit india movement started, Kishan Sabha activities were grealy apprehended as dangerous in Shahabad district. Kisan Sabha appeared to be gaining ground in the Bhabhua, Sasaram and Buxar sub divisions of Shahabad district. Enlisting of its members was going on and they criticised local officers and Dumaraon Raj. The Kisan Sabha was an indirect pressure group during the movement. Their fight was with zamind ars who were generally supporting the government and the Kisan Sabha was helping the movement. Communists in general proposed to condemn the Congress working committee threat of mass civil disobedience. They had decided to oppose it by all possible means. For the present their activities were directed against profiteering. The notification declaring the communist party of India to be an unlawful association had been withdrawn and the banon the publication of the national front and the new age was withdrawn. But it was reported that in south bihar some arrested communists who after being released were taking part in subversive activities.164 At a meeting of 164.Bihar F.No. 79/42

Bibliography & Appendices 103 the provincial committee of the bihar communist party held on 1st week of oct.’1942’ it appearen that the policy of opposition to the axis powers of which the party had made so much during the past few months had been rebervarated to the background. Rahul Sankritayan and Karya Nand Sharma the two prominent communist leaders had held a series of meetings in the mingyre district and had delivered speeches blaming British policy for disorder in India. But they also pointed out that freedom could not be obtained by sabotage. Japanese brutality was condemned by them and emphasis was laid on the communist programme of securing release of congress leaders, the establishment of Hindu- Muslim unity and the formation of a national Government to resist Japanese aggression. In a weekly news letter drafted by Sunil Mukherji, the communist leader, it was presented that the public was thoroughly demoralised and terrified by the operation of disruptive forces by which he probably meant official action. The Bhagalpur communists were reported to be playing a double game being in close touch with the Congress elements and they were anxious to procure some of the weapons which had fallen in hands of mobs during the recent rebellion. Directions were given to unite stucents in opposing the ban recently imposed by the Government.165 In fact the communists of Bihar were not directly opposing the Government but in the sufface they were with the movement. In Shahabad, Gaya and Patna role of the communists during the movement was so unfavourable to it. In Jamshedpur the radical democratic party held a meeting during the period of the Quit India Movement at which, alongwith an increase in wages; the establishement of a Mazdoor Raj, was advocated. In Shahabad Sheopujan 165.Bihar F.No. 79/42

104 Quit India Movement in old Patna division singh established several centres of radical party in the district and openly helped the movement. Red revolution by ‘Sram Kran’ was also prevalent at that time. According to it Englishmen were leaders of cheat.166 Students, were advised to start India wide agitation, clouds of abversity were hovering over the heads of white men. They supplied secret papers to remote villages and Kisans were to get true information. Red leaflets from Krantikari Subhas party, and the leaflets in a similar menner encouraged the people to unite among themselves without any distinction fo caste or creed and to fight for freedom.167 In Shahabad, especially Dumraon and in Bhabhua peasants were creating trouble against local Zamindars. It clear that they acting on the guidance of the pro-congress elements.168 The police succeeded in breaking up a meeting of forward bloc which had been called to consider how the bloc could proceed to seize power from the national Congress is order to be ready to expecloit the situation when the Japanese were to begin the expected invasion of the country from the east. The azad hind fauz was the militant organ of this party. Their aim was to capture the power from the Britishers with armed attack, with Japanese help during the war period.169 Forward bloc members were arrested near main gate of patna college pasting a pro-Japanese leaflets on November 18th, 1942 leaflets also were found in the homes of the forward bloc activists threatening murder of officials and a head master of a school. It was clear that this political organisation helped the movement on terrorist line. 166.Bihar D.I.G.(C.I.D.)Report F.No. 77/42 167.Bihar H. Pal (Spec.) F.No. 76/42 168.Bihar document No. 2021/L/180/41 169.H.Pol.(1) F.No. 35/8/42

Bibliography & Appendices 105 In fact the quit india movement was suppressed by military power.170 But there were sufficient evidence Government officers, clerks, constables an d even other servants had their sympathy with the movement. When the historic quit india movement started in Bihar, a clear picture of official support was seen. There appeared difficulties in revenue collection in champaran on 20th Nov. a large numder of wire technicians marched in procession and made demonstrations shouting objectionable slogans in front of a police station of Patna town to protest against prosecution of one of the technicians for non- political offence.171 In Patna, the disquieting feature about the disturbance, as reported by inspector general of police was that unarmed police showed sign of being unreliable. As he reported that from one of the districts police was said to have been relouctant to chase crowd of students. There had been some cases of lack of initiative and activity, but in spite of the isolation, no sub-treasury were lost, although in some cases treasuries were removed for greater safety. The main factors affecting morale of the police administration were the sudden and extensive disruption of communications and the consequent isolation. The lack of information and consequent anxiety whether help would be received or not and in some places doubts as to the staunchness of the constabulary, were clearly observed during the course of the movement. It was only when military and police reinforcement became available and communications were reopened even partially that confidence was guided by police. 170.Bihar H.Pol.(spec.) f.no. 71/42 171.H.Pol. (1) f.no. 3/84/42

106 Quit India Movement in old Patna division It is noteworthy that there were no revenue staff in some of the areas of Patna division corredponding to the Patwari or tahlani of some other provinces. The rural police were largely drawn from classes having little respect for law and order and at best they look upon themselves as only owing part time service to Government and they had their local attachments and customary duties. In a sudden and extensive popular up-heaval like this, therefore no government servant were available in the muffosil other than the regular police. The sources of information dried up and local support under went severe diminution govt. would have expected some support from the employees of local bodies but they had in recent years been almost all under congress control and in the August movement they were wholly in sympathy with, if not actively taking pat in, the Congress movement. Several cases of desertion of constables was evident and police sympathy with saboteurs was occasionally visible. The tata nagar police strike led by ramanand tiwari was a typical example of police force; non- co-operation with the Government. Strike by 150 clerks in Gaya was another case of officials who were with the movement. After Marhowarah firing in Saran district their appeared in circulation pamphlets in the name of provincial Congress, urging the officials to resign. Thus the movement had clear support from the Bihar officers of lower rank. They were considered as a valuable pressure group during the movement. Press in Bihar played an important role of pressure group during and before the Quit India Movement. Local papers, leaflets and hand bills were amply found in circulation which gave full knowledge to people about political developments. Press and newspapers made the people conscious about their political rights and it worked as anti Government agent during the movement period. The

Bibliography & Appendices 107 search light had to be suppressed at a fairly early stage; and tits editor was jailed. This was the report of the state Government. The nation had refused to publish Governemt press notes and it published 6 editorials, saying that a pre- censorship order was an insult to the journalistic profession. In a warning to agitators the sada-e-am of Bihar, though pro-Government, published about prosecution of yogi which had written “it is matter of happiness that Indian police and their officials are sympathesing with us. The day is not remote when they will side with us and fight for India’s liberation. The entire responsibility of the oppressive shooting on innocent children and students at Patna lies on the oppressive Government. Indian police men and officials can never co-operate with the Government, in such unholy work and this is the reason why the English Government has called white troops in Patna.”172 But before commencement of the movement anti- Government pamphlets and campaign had already started circulating in Shahabad. One Mr. Jadunandan was arrested at Arrah with a Hindi paper Janta vol.no.3, dated 1st jan.1941. the paper janta published photograph of Subhas Chandra Bose and Shahjanand with the following note: “concentrated in hazaribagh jail by the order of the dying British Government, Swami Shahjanand Saraswati, the life of the peasants and labourers, is awaiting a great Kisan-Mazdoor revolution and Subhas Bose, the peoples leader is recuperating after having been released in a dying stat”. it further said “the primary duty of countrymen is to demolish the Government and its jails when priceless gems of the country are suffering.” it continued “victory to 172.B.N.Mishra D.I.G.(C.I.D.) Report on the political events of Bihar f.n. 612/7.

108 Quit India Movement in old Patna division Swaraj will mean stopping, refusing contribution of even a lose coin to Miss Britania.173” the Rastravani and Navashakti had written editorials about the search of the yogi press, which was alledged to have been done by the police for two articles dated 22nd may 1942 and 29th may 1942. The Rastravani has been publishing headlines and comments of a revolutionary character.174 The search light had published several objectionable headlines denouncing British attitude and policy immediately before the commencement of the Quit India Movement. The Rashtravani dated 22 july 1942 had said “the Zamindars and British Government are at the root of all our troubles. They should go from here.”175 The urdu newspaper sada-e-am criticised the British Government on 16th, October 1942 for its inaction in dealing with the Indian problem. On 7th oct, it had complained of lack of propaganda initiative in America in regard to India. Leading. It criticised English reports to American Government as misleading. It said : “if America wants to know something about india, it should not rely on the statement of Englishmen who are unable to make an impartial comment on the conditions prevailing in india”. The editor of yogi Babu Braj Shanker Verma, was convicted on 10th oct. 1942 under section 35 (5) and 39 (1) (b) D.I.R. and sentenced to six months simple imprisonment. Hunkar on 18 oct. 1942, published a letter from kishori Prasan Sinha who was in jail denying that the communists are being financed by the Government. He referred to the small contribution which he had sent towards the peoples war 173.B.N.Mishra D.I.G.(C.I.D.) Report on the political events of Bihar F.n. 612/7. 174.Bihar H.Pol. (spec.) f.no.79/42 175.Ibid.

Bibliography & Appendices 109 fund on behalf of thirteen comrades in jail. The same day it also published a message from Mr. Indradeep, secretary of the Patna branch of the Indian communist party, stating that vigorous attempts were being made by the communist party to obtain signatures for a demand to Government to release the Congress leaders and to bring about a compromise between the Congress and the league and to stop repression.176 The most sensational news of the press was, to publish a news of escape from Hazaribagh jail of Sri Jai Prakash Narayan and others on 9th nov. 42. The press representatives at Patna were asked by the Government not to publish this news until Government released the information for publication. It, however, appeared that some body took the orders of the sadar sub-divisional officer of Hazaribagh and sent out a telegram to the united press at Caluctta and the news was published in the Caluctta papers. In spite of the ban imposed by governemt, the Amrita Bazaar Patrika a nationalist paper of all India circulation news regarding communists attempts to create an agitation for the removal of the restrictions imposed on political organisations and complained that the vast majority of students were demoralized and were afraid to show any defiance of outhrity. The Bihar herald published Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookherji’s second article “A phase of the Indian struggle” on 13th Nov. 1942. Yogi wrot “british administration was not acceptable to masses. It exists on the strength of machine guns.” The sa-dae-am thought that the Germans were on the defensive. On account of the could weather and that they will take the offensive again in summer. It added “some sort of agreement might have been reached. This is not the time for Britain to stand in the way 176.Bihar report on political events f.no. 962/42

110 Quit India Movement in old Patna division of such a settlement on account of its false notion, pride and prestige. Hunkar used strong language in its editorials. It referred to the amendment of the education code prohibiting students to take part in politics as second affront against students. It strongly criticised Churchill and Stafford Cripps. It said : “what Cripps failed to achieve, will be achieved by the masses, whatever Churchill has achieved, the masses will destroy that”.177 It is clear that press played an important role in pressurising the Government and it published against their wishes the news of political value which proved of much help to the anti-Government forces which were participating in the Movement. The press alongwith several other hand bills and leaflets were in wide circulation in Patna, Gaya and Shahabad and other parts of the state. They all contained Anti-Government slogans and explained the principles and statements of fighting leaders for independence of the country. The press played a commendable role. It was because of this that even remote area of the state witnessed the furry of the revolution. Axis radios were eagerly heared in the state which fomented the revolution. Students residing in America were also a source of Anti-British propaganda in Europe to rouse opinion in favour of Indian masses. Role of women during the Quit India Movement in Bihar was no less important. They played a major role to pressurize the government and exherted the officials to came out and resign their services and side with the revolutionaries.178 On 11th August at Patna women with the banner of Kadam Kuan Mahila Charkha club took out a procession on the road up to civil court. Among the 177.Bihar report on political events f.no. 962/42. 178.Ibid.

Bibliography & Appendices 111 prominent women taking active part in the movement were Bhagwati Devi, sister of Rajendra Prasad, Sundari Devi, wife of late Shambhusharan Verma, and Ram Pyari Devi, wife of Jagat Narayan Lal. At sonepur nearly one thousand women had led a procession and in the police fire nine women were killed, ten women were injured. Even school going girl students took part in the movement with their counterparts and participated in the acts of sabotage.179 A number of traders were also involved in the movement , ,ost of them were not on the surface but they helped with funds to the underground movement.180 Abdul Jabbar of Hyderabad, the provincial commander of Khaksara, arrived in Bihar on October 8th 1942. At that time the relations of the Khaksar party with the league were not too happy. Fearing this party becoming very popular, league leaders persuabed to Khaksars to join the party. But this organization continued to maintain its separate identity and rendered social service to all political parties. Studies not in favour of division of Indias demanded by the league.181 In Bihar this party had already been declared to be an unlawful association by notification no. 19970/89/41 dated 5th Jan. 1941. On the basis of this declaration one mohamad sultan, a stamp vender of siwan was persecuted allegedly on the charge of keepings Rs.1000/-for Khaksars in his pass book account no. 11600 in Siwan central co-operative bank.182 His relative with another pass book account no. 1161 in the same bank was also prosecuted. The Khakars had their place in bihar during the period of the movement. Khan Abdul Gaffer Khan had 179.Bihar report on political events f.no. 962/42. 180.H.Pol (1) f.no. 3/34/42 181.Ibid. 182.Bihar F.no. 89/11/41 D.C.H.O. 21650/89/41.

112 Quit India Movement in old Patna division visited Bihar several times to help the movement. Khan Abdul Gaffer Khan had visited Bihar several times to help the movement with the leaders of Bihar. This political organization was an answer to the muslim league in Bihar. A group of Europeans in India led by Mr.Arthur moore supported the demand for immediate transfer of power to an Indian national Government.183 Mr.More warned Britain that the sands were running out and that she should act as it was too late. He asserted that the British Government had showed no disposition since the declaration of war to transfer power to india in any circumstances. Indian differences, according to Mr. Moore was the excuse and not the cause of Britain’s refusal to transfer power. This was well supported by declaration of sir Stafford cripps that even if the Congress, the Muslim League and the minorities combine, there would be no transfer of power until after the end of the war.184 Thus it is clear from the above that political parties and pressure–groups excercized a considerable influence during the period of the quit india movement in bihar including Patna, Gaya and Shahabad districts. They not only encouraged the people to take part in the movement despite Government’s repressive measures, but also occasionally tried to pressurise the Government to came to terms with people’s demand of independence. ❖ 183.H.Pol (1) f.no. 3/101/42 184.Ibid.

Bibliography & Appendices 113 Chapter Four Government policy towards the movement With the arrests of leaders of Bihar on the morning of 9th August the organisation of associations were declared unlawful. Government seijure of their offices in most of the districts of bihar caused spontaneous outbreak of the movement.185 The news of arrests and ban on the political organisations and seijure of the offices of political parties flashed like wild fire in the state. It was not until two or three days later i.e. on August 11th and particularly on 12th that concentrated acts of violence and sabotage began in widely separated areas. Interiors were also affected bodly by the acts of violence and sabotage. These actions were directed principally against all kinds of communications and specially against railways, telegraph, telephones and attack on police stations, Government buildings and offices.186 Bihar was the most seriously affected ares. Among the districts of Bihar, Patna Gaya and Shahabad were some of the worst affected districts of the province. Law and otder position in the whole of Bihar was extremely critical. In Bihar the trouble soon spread from the big towns to the outlaying areas. Thousands of people gave themselves up to an orgy of destruction of communications like attacks on post office, telegraph, cutting of telephone wires, railways and uprooting of trees on the road and attacks on bridages, cutting of road as a result of which the whole districts with their small defending forces of 185.H.Pol f.no. 13/16/42 186.Ibid.

114 Quit India Movement in old Patna division Government officials and police were isolated for days on end. The actual position of force in the state as stated by the officials were less than required.187 During that period of emergency the administration was affected by two things one the maintenance of communications, and the other the maintenance of the administrative machinery. On 41000 to 43000 miles of running tracks there was the need of 300 miles battalion.188 In Bihar extensive sabotage had been caused to the railway. Strike in factories like Tata Nagar and Rohtas industries further aggravated the production especially of the steel, which was a prime need of the Britishers during the wartime. Coal supply was also affected. Dr.Rajendra Prasad was arrested and loged in Bankipur jail. The news of arrest of prominent leaders spread like wild fire and people were excited. The Government officials had the upper hand in the sadar sub division since the 15th August on the arrival of a military consignment from Ranchi. The rounding up of the goondas and the arrest of the persons suspected of sabotage began. Curfew order and the prohibition of association sabotage began. Curfew order and the prohibition of association of more than four persons on public places had been enforced obviously with good results in restoring peace and otder and the re-establishing of the communications from 13th August. After the arrival of military from Ranchi the Government got upper hand and fury of the mob of people began to disappear. Round up, charge sheet, from the beginning of September 1942 started. Collective responsibility was fixed on the villagers from the third week of August residing within one mile depth from the railway 187.H.Pol .(1) f.no. 3/89/42 188.Report of govt. of bihar no. 590/42 on 25 August 1942

Bibliography & Appendices 115 line on both sides. For guarding the railway lines against the sabotage. Arming of thanas with guns and repuisitioned arms from the private licences was undertaken in the third week of September. Government servants in general with their dependents stood by the side of the government. Strong measures were essential for quelling such disturbances and in restoring general peace. Government started extensive propaganda among the masses explaining the evil consequences of such a wild movement and for restoring confidence in the might of the government.189 The central government in a circular had informed the bihar government about the August movement. “there are indications that congress mass movement will be directly and largely against communications, specially railways, telegraphs and telephones and we are clear that strongest possible steps must be taken to stop these forms of activities with full liaison and co-operation between civil and military and railway authorities.”190 For implementation of the above the state Government was to apply ordinances. The chief commissioner of railways explained the seriousness of the railway interruption in Bihar area as affecting coal supplies, and the action was taken. To counter the 1942 movement the state Government first of all took the following steps to prevent further development of the movement and to maintain morale of the officials : (1) morale of the services to be maintained. (2) rewards for good services. (3) compensation for loss of lives, injury and loss of property. (4) measures to secure general contentment. 189. Report of govt. of bihar no. 590/42 on 25 August 1942 190 .H.Pol. (1) f.no. 3/17/42.

116 Quit India Movement in old Patna division (5) protection of labour and industry. (6) better intelligence system on big factory and the arrest of professional agitators of strike leaders. (7) preventing the circulation of seditious and inflammatory leaflets. (8) additional powers to prevent stoppage of work for political reasons in the management of employees. (9) opening of various commodity markets. (10) stocking, distributing and sale of essential commodities like coal, petrol, oil, and raw materials for transport and industry to every area and (11) food stuffs and commodities. (12) security of communications. (13) support in industry in semi-government organisations. (14) propaganda to fairly check up spread of the movement. Disorders were created not by Congress alone to some extent. This might be attributed to agencies working directly for the Japanese. So war cabinet suggested that urgent attention should be given to the development of a more district social industrial policy in india. It invited secretary of state for India to obtain and report to the war cabinet, the considered view of the Government of India on the extent of which the recent disorders might have been prompted by agencies working directly on behalf of the enemy. Mob carried out fire arms and used them on five occasions. One sub machine gun, four rifles, twenty shot guns, twelve police muskets with four bayonets and twenty revolvers and pistols were stolen. One hundred fifty sevice fifles were looted from mokamah. British officers were detained and confined at bihta railway station and aeroplane pilots and crewswere killed in monghyr s.d.o. sitamarhi with police inspector were shot dead by a mob. Sub inspector of

Bibliography & Appendices 117 police Daud Nagar had to flee away and he jumped into the sone river, to save his life. Several police stations were abandoned and several police, military and civilian officers were attacked and either were injured badly or died during the movement. Thus the movement was well planned and successful in the beginning and all Government intelligence failed badly.191 State government later devised machinery to take effevtive measures to check the further apread of the movement.192 It was decided to resort to (1) rapid and effective use of armed forces. (2) the imposition of collective responsibility along the lines of communication. (3) collective fines.193 To meet the demands of the critical situation increase in strength of police force was essential, and if military forces were not available then additional forces will have to be provided. The disturbance in Bihar had been wide spread and intensive and although order had been, to a great extent, restored on the surface, the completion and consolidation of that restoration still took time. It was feared that a fresh outbreak might be on a very dangerous scale. The provincial Government considered the following measures necessary : (1)the loan of at least two battalions of armed police (18000/2000 men) . (2) increased military and armed police forces. (3) strengthening of police stations by special constables . (4) the retention of a nucleus of military troops in the area as a reserve.194 191.H.Pol. (1) f.no. 3/34/42. 192.Ibid. 193.Ibid.

118 Quit India Movement in old Patna division The provincial Government considered that it was not possible to carry the process of concentrating police forces in some areas only in the face of a movement which would cover the greater part of the province. However the difficulties of communication in Bihar and the ease with which these communications could be disrnupted, however precluded this. A considerable area in both north and south Bihar in the monsoon was liable to be flooded which made such roads as impassable. In noth bihar considerable tracts were almost roadless. The effect of concentration of forces in such circumstances would naturally have been to leave outlaying portions unprotected. Concentration was to be carried out at 405 principal centres where it could be done without serious danger to any outlaying area. The provincial Government was of strong opinion that if the recent disturbance had established anything it was the need for the expansion as well as strengthening of the thanas and arming the police.195 The critical position that existed in Bihar during the August disturbances was only improved with the arrival of the military. Civilian and police morale would haveentirely broken down and complete anarchy would have prevailed had the military support not been made available. “police by themselves were incapable of maintaining law and order in Bihar.”196 Propaganda by saboteurs, leaflets of prejudicial nature and hand bills by the political parties proved a great embarrassment for the administration. Newspapers were not co-operating with the state Government. Hence, to stop mischievous reports and views being published pro- cencership of news papers has been introduced by the 194.H.Pol. (1) f.no. 3/34/42. 195.Ibid. 196.Ibid.

Bibliography & Appendices 119 Government on 11th August. Section 3 to 7 fo enhancement of penalties ordinance was extended throughout the province ofn 12th August. Curfew under defence rule 12 on certain main routes to railway stations and lines had been pressed under defence rules 7 and 9 on 16th August, declaring all station to be protected places and allowing access to them for bonafide business and under system of permits. Under defence rule 12, curfew order had been passed throughout the districts of Monghyr, in two sub divisions in patna district and in many towns in north and south Bihar. Traffic between 7 P.M. and 5 A.M. was prohibited on 16 important roads in Patna, Gaya and Shahabad districts. These restrictions were relaxed gradually. Special magistrates and special judges had been appointed under the special oriminal courts ordinance on 11th August 1942. The first case tried by the special judge was at Patna in which he passed sentence of death on eight persons for the murder of a man who refused to call back his brother from the army. Sentences up to 5 years R.I. were passed by special magistrate at patna and darbhanga. Justice C.M. Agrawala had been appointed to review the proceedings when a death sentence was passed. No report of any sentence of whipping was received. All railway premises had been declared to be protected places. Access to railway stations and ferry Ghats were controlled by asystem of permits. In exercise of the power conferred by clause (b) of sub rule (1) of rule 41 of the defence of india rules, the governor of bihar on 15th August was pleased to prohibit the printing and publishing of any matter of the nature specified below unless it had been officially announced by the government of Bihar.

120 Quit India Movement in old Patna division (1) Reports of interruptions of any kind to road, rail and telegraph communications, (2) Reports of acts of sabotage or attempted sabotage against military installations, telegraph, telephone lines or installations, railway property or any other pblic utility service. (3) Reports of strike or interruption of work in factories engaged in producing materials used for military purposes (4) Anything which was an exaggerated report or unfounded allegation regarding excessive use or misuse of the power by the police, troops and other government servants, or treatment and condition of detenue or prisoners (5) Reports of attack on government offices including post-offices and on government servants. In protest against the press censorship and search of their premises the Indian nation and the Search light ceased their publications and alleged that the action of the government was against the ethics of journalism. Rashtravani ceased its publication from 13th August. Indian nation closed publication on 6 sept. 1942, Hunkar, a communist paper continued its publication after verification by the Governemt. Yogi editor, Brajandan Verma was arrested on 22 feb. 1942 Bihar herald had published prejudicial articles contten by Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee its press was searched. The only news paper available was Bihar bulletion by the Governmet . Under the declaration of permits system no steamer called out at Digha Ghat for three days but all were going through to Mahendru Ghat which was near the booking station for all passengers by B.N.W. railway from 28th August.197 A team of four constables and one S.I. Mahendru 197.H.Pol. (1) f.no. 3/34/42.

Bibliography & Appendices 121 Ghat for checking permits.198 Officer-in-charge of all other police stations in the city as well as Kotwali, Digha and Dinapur police stations were too directed to issue permits to persons intending to travel by rail or steamer, on application by the latter after after satisfying themselves regarding their bonafides in each case. A press communiqué explaining to the public their duties and responsibilities in the matter perhaps facilitated the issue of such passes by the thanas afterwards. In the city circle of Patna mobile patrols of constables armed with lathis with magistrate patrolled the main road and the lower road.199 The state Government was very much worried about the increasing role of students in the movement.200 The students were undoubtedly the main pillar of the movement and they participated with their full vigour and sacrifices of their lives. Keeping in view of the dangers from the students participation in the quit india movement, the state Government with the consent of the vice-chancellor of Patna university closed all colleges and schools at Patna for three months from 13th August by a notification of the chancellor. Government was aware of students problem and to curb the students, commissioner and district magistrate of Patna put forward a detailed plan on this issue on 1st sept. 1942. By a notification on oct. 22nd 1942 the state Government changed the education code to control the students and teachers of the schools and colleges. In the first stage every effort was made to secure co- operation of teachers, guardians and management committees of the schools and colleges in maintaining discipline. This could be done by the visits of members of 198.H.Pol. (1) f.no. 3/34/42. 199.Ibid. 200.Ibid.

122 Quit India Movement in old Patna division Government, selected publicmen or members of the educational staff of the province. It was also suggested for a conference of the vice chancellors and D.P.I. Of the province for this purpose. Appeals of two kinds (a) to support the Government and local administration and (b) an appeal to loyality to maintain the discipline and reputation of school were made. Government put forward the plan that the danger of the physical as well as moral injury should be stressed in dealing with guardians. Government proposed that threats to discontinue grants should be kept in the background but there should be no hesitation in applying such measures in bad cases especially when the staff were possibly involved in the agitation. After a meeting of university board at mysore in jan. 1943, it was decided to take following long term measures to ckeck the students from participating in the movement- (1) protorial system was to be introduced and perfect authorities were to enforce maintainance of discipline. (2) the tutorial system was to be widened. (3) the without reducing the total facilities for higher education, individual institutions should be reduced to a size which will make them more consicious of belonging to a corporate unit to which loyality was seen. (4) that the reorganization of the high school system was to be taken in hand as soon as possible in order that intermediate classes may be abolished and the three years degree course be introduced. This had to be approved by inter-university board. (5)that the rules for entry to government services should be revised so as to discourage unsuitable candidates from seeking admission to the universities in the hope of improving their chances of passing the examinations. (6) that establishment of employment bereau or other measures to advice parents to pupils in high school and

Bibliography & Appendices 123 universities about carriers and to assist them in finding employment. In a short term measures curb on teachers was also put in action : teachers convicted for breaking law were to be black listed in the public aided institution.201 To expedite the cases of persons involved in the agitation, police officers were empowered to investigate the cases and send their reports without any supervision of higher authorities, if not available.202 This measures was intended to crush the movement by inflicting tortures and creating panic in the public. Cases arising out of disturbances were to be tried under the special magistrate ordinance. It was essential that cases were to be disposed of as early as possible. The following instruction was to be complied with; (1) when any future case occurs and arrest are made, the case should be treated as under nomo communal system, with modifications and F.I.R. either on proper form or plain paper should be drawn up, memorandum, evidence, names, witness prepared on plain papers were to be produced before the magistrate were to have their instructions from D.M. sub inspector would prosecute, if the court S.I. was not present when case was tried by magistrate on the spot. Persons arrested in very suspicious circumstances but against whom evidence cannot be collected in a hurry, thana officer were to prepare a list with notes against each and were to send them to the superintendent of police through circle officer. Enhancement of penalties ordinance section 307 was enforced throughout the state on august 12th 1942. 201.Sir Cripps to Mr. Churchil :via viceroy and India office telegram messurf 125/23 new delhi, 24 august 1942. 202.H.Pol . (1) F.No. 13/6/42 and memo no. 5786/42 report on Bihar.

124 Quit India Movement in old Patna division As regards special measures or actions taken to deal with the movement, both military and civil authorities had to give the fullest publicity to the collective fine ordinance. Fines were imposed in 23 cases involving 170 villages in eight districts. The total amount of the fines came to Rs. 97,8200.00. District No no.ofvillages amount Patna of invllved &fine cases 8 52 448500 Gaya 3 22 185000 Shahabad 1 1 1200 Total 12 75 634700 On 27/11/1942 collective fines for sabotage was imposed in some of the villages in patna district like bihta rajpur, maner and Jaintipur villages. In another case, collective fine of Rs. 500 was imposed on villages bela for being negligent in patrol. A collective fine of rs. 500.00 was imposed on village Adampur and mustafpur for the same reason. In these cases four telephone wires were cut and removed, probably by thieves. Bhabhua sub-divisional magistrate of Shahabad districet realised collective fines of rs. 4122.00 from 127 cases up to 7.7 1943. The Sasaram sub division of the district realised fine of rs. 439.00 up to 8/3/1943 from the villager Bali Pandey of Baligaon P.S.Nasariganj. Other villages involved were Baron, Aurain, Kaupa, Katar, Ghosia

Bibliography & Appendices 125 Khurd in the district. On 22nd Sept. 1942 throgh another notification in Shahabad, Chand village was imposed collective fine of rs. 1800.00 in all as 5th Jan. 1943 report said that up to Navember 1942 rs. 2400000 was collected as collective fines in Bihar.203 During the last three weeks of august 1942 police took over E.I.R. Line and was shortly to have the grand cord line in hand. Some public representative and individuals made discussion with the top officials of Patna regarding the out break of the August movement and the steps which have been taken to put down. There was universal agreement that it was necessary to hit hard and if there was report that unfortunate incidents had accentuated the Government was to reorganise. The police force to meet the new danger. There was a division of opinion as to whether movement was scotched or had merely gone underground.204 For arrest of the forward bloc extremist members, the Government of india forwarded a list of suspects who were active members of the province including the three districts of Patna division with a request to proceed against them without reference to government, if they were mentioned to prosecute them under rule 27 of the D.I.R.205 The list included the following : 1.Ram Chandra Sharma of Amhore P.O. Bihta –patna. 2.Ram Bilash Singh of Pewa P.S. Goh –Gaya. 3.Nand Kishore Singh of Buxar. 4.Janki nandan singh of madhepura –darbhanga. 5.Rama Nand Choudhari of Vill. P.o. Chobe- Darbhanga . 6.Bhuneshwar Prasad Verma of Monghyr . 203.H.Pol . (spec.) 39/43, report on the events of Bihar. 204.Reports on bihar f.no 112/42. 205.Bihar H.Pol. (spec.) f.no. 72/42.

126 Quit India Movement in old Patna division 7.Dhanraj Puri of Siktamath Vill. P.o. Ram Nagar Champaran. 8.Usharani Mukherjee of Dhaka w/o Lamodar Mukherjee. 9.Deo Nath Sahay of Hazaribagh. 10.Siyaram Thakur of Maithia .P.O. Dhaka– Champaran. 11.Mihir Kumar Chatterjee of Purlia. 12.G.C. Poggey of Jabbalpur C.P. and SinghBhum. 13.Srimant Bihari kar of Dinagamait, Lone Singh, Faridpur. 14. Sheo Kumar Sinha of Muzaffarpur.(now in jail). Armed with unprecedented powers, the police and military force with officials of the state started their barbarous acts of atrocities on the saboteurs.206 One of the most sensational case was that of Brahm Deo Singh and Kailaspati of Ghoradei dist. Shahabad vs Government of Bihar. It was alleged that brahmdeo singh came from his house on 29 sept. 1942 in a state of sound health to participate in peacefurl non violence.207 He had led a demonstration at arrah and shouted “Mahatma Gandhi ki Jai,” “Inquilab Zindabad” “Malguzari Dena Pap Hai”. He was arrested by the mounted police of arrah and was taken to the bunglow where the A.S.P. Mr. Aimsworth resided. Members of the mounted police were said to have mercilessly beaten, kicked and assaulted the non-violent demonstrators and scolded them badly and inflicted various other kinds of in human tortures on them. The result of all these tortures had been that Kailash Pati Singh died shortly after and the other demonstrators were laying in a precarious condition. Two other batches of three each demonstrators 206. H.Pol. (1) f.no. 30/42/43 207.Ibid.

Bibliography & Appendices 127 went to the collector’s compound and were arrested near treasury office. Even Indian magistrates were insulted by the British troops on raid duty. A good example of this type of excess committed by the troops was with Mr. Rustogi, a magistrate at village Baligaon P.S. Jagdishpur Distt. Shahabad.208 In his report the collector of Arrah on oct. 2nd 1942 said it was unfortunate that there should be this kind of discord between two sections of the Government both engaged in the common task of restoring law and order in these difficult days. It was reported that the owner of the house came up from the ‘Dalan’ and was taken charge by the soldiers who took him inside the ‘Agan’. The man was asked to produce the stolen guns. He denied that there was any gun in his house, where upon the A.S.P. and two of the military personnel gave him beating. The man fell down denying all the whole the existence of any gun in his house. In course of search his boxes and other house – hold objects were broken and grains were scattered. He was again beaten till he fell down. Then the magistrate mr. rastogi suggested that they had enough of it and it was not necessary to beat him any further fearing that he might collapse.209 At this, one of the military officers of the party indignantely remarked that they will mind their own duty. He further abused that “school boys were sent as magistrate” and that the magistrate should go away.”210 The A.S.P. and sbout 10-12 soldiers got over the tiled roof of the house and began disulting in two injuries. One Ramakant Pandey, a Chaukidar of the court was, kicked with shoe by a soldier at 208.Report of collector Arrah F.No. 24/42. 209.Ibid. 210.ibid.

128 Quit India Movement in old Patna division about 8 A.M. on 26th sept. 1942 while offering water to sun god. Another action on torture in village baligaon, police station, jagdishpur district Shahabad was reported by a magistrate Mr. Fahimuddin Ahmad himself to the collector of Arrah on 21/9/1942. The case in detail was that on the report of A.S.I.B. Singh, ten persons who had taken part in assaulting a police man and snatching away his mackintosh and Pagri were arrested. Before arrival of the magistrate, one Chottan Ram had already been shot dead. He was the father of one of the accused on the list and who was arrested later on. A scuffle arose in shich he tried to grasp the rifle of one of the soldiers. He was boyonetted on the head and then shot through the chest. Five other persons arrested were- (1) Nand Gopal. (2)Ram Chandra Raj . (3) Lachmi Rai. (4) Bishwa Nath Pandey . (5)Angina Rai. Prominent men of the village and others were explained about the collective responsibility by the magistrate and also how they should behave when they saw any military truck or party.211 The plan of action to curb the movement was in full swing. Police and civil administration in Shahabad had become mad and they were arresting, firing and dismantling the houses indiscriminately. In one more case of village bhagwati pur police party reached there on 23/9/1942 to arrest some congress men hiding therein the village. They were surprised to see all the houses were either locked or chained from outside. No man or boy was found anywhere in the village. In the whole village only two very old women 211. Report of collector Arrah F.No. 24/42.

Bibliography & Appendices 129 aged about eighty and seventy years and a child about a year old were present. Prepared meals were left and fire was burning in some kitchen. For realization of fine the magistrate attached thirty cattle and movable property which were loaded on two carts.212 Police raided the village Narbir Pur P.S. Arrah on 28/8/1942 by British soldiers and Indian police. Houses were searched and articles were taken away by the raiding party and some house were also dismantled. The sufferers were (1) Pila Ahir of village dillpar related to Ram Sunder Ahir of Narbir pur Rs. 25 carried away by the police (2) Mosmat Konteshwar koer w/o late Baij Nath Sahu vill – Narbir Pur (3) Ram Logan Ram S/o Birbal Ram of Vill – Narbir Pur. Again on29/8/1942 Radha Mohan Singh of Vill. Zamira a prominent zamindar and exvice chairman of Arrah district board was also insulted by the raiding party against whom the complained in writing to the district magistrate Arrah. At Sasaram, Mr. Lakshmi Narayan Singh, secretary of the fadical democratic party was paraded before the D.S.P. Sasaram on the charge of trying to hold meeting of labourers at Dalmia Nagar on 25th April at 1 p.m. according to the report of Arrah collector up to 26/8/1942 no public servants were killed but thirty nine persons were killed, nine by police and thirty by troops. Out of thirty one injured thirteen were injured by police and eithteen by troops. For the good work done by officials during the disturbances, the presentation of a watch or revolver was recommended by the district magistrate of Arrah in the case of the following – 212.Report of collector Arrah F.No. 24/42.

130 Quit India Movement in old Patna division (1) Rameshwar Prasad : S.D.O. Bhabhua (2) H.B.Maitin : S.D.O.Sasaram (3) M.S.K. Ahsan : S.D.O.Sadar (Arrah) In a prosecution case the house of ram nath singh was searched at village Sikhari Chak on 7/9/1942 on receipt of information that stolen property concerned in the loot of Mokamah was concealed there. The police on search found some cloth, two bags of rice and Rs. 1508/2/3 which was later on returned to them. A complain of police excess was also made to the commanding officer. Governments firm and persistent action to round up offenders had been largely successful and the number of outrages steadly decreased. Government did not wish to run the risk of again planning the internal peace and external defence of the country at the mercy of the rebellion. With this aim in view the Government arrested at Muzaffarpur on December 7/1942. Jagendra Sukul, Bihar red list no. 261 who had escaped from jail, while miss khurshed ben nauroji formerly private secretary to Gandhiji was arrested at Dhanbad on Dec. 4th . Important arrests were made in Nepal of a number of Congress socialist leaders including jai prakash narayan and ram manohar lohia. Fortunately these men were almost immediatelyreleased by a mob of their followers who attacked the police station in which they were confined. The injured pupri bomb maker Lakshmi Narayan Gupta escaped from custody while under hospital treatment at patna being recaptured at hazipur next day. He was sentenced to 10 days R.I. under the explosive substances act and to an additional fifteen monthas, R.I. for escaping.213 In defence against terrorist offensive, the bihar police in co- operation with Nepal authorities and the police of other 213.H.Pol. (1) f. no. 3/1944.

Bibliography & Appendices 131 provinces were tracing and arresting a large number of terrorists. In order to suppressed the movement Government took continued resort to defence of India rules and connedted ordinances. However, even if the police and magistracy were armed with the maximum powers they must have public support in dealing with the movement.214 a strong publicity compaign by the Government said that crime does not pay. 215 such publicity was to be extended to schools and colleges and the educational personnel of district boards. Government asked lawyers not to defend them and no court convinced of their guilt should award anything but the maximum penalty.216 Armed with legal and military powers, officers of the province were playing the most heneous acts of suppression. Before they came in action the state Government had empowered them fully to face the situation without facing any legal harm to them.217 To protect the position of the offices on suppressing duty of rebellion, the state Government passed an order named “the Bihar maintenance and restoration of order (indemnity) bill of 1943.” Order said “and where as the Governor of Bihar has by the proclamation dated the 3rd nov. 1939 issued by him under section 93 of the Government of India act 1935 assumed to himself all powers vested by or under the said act in the provincial legislature.” No one, therefore in exercise of the powers assured to himself, the governor of Bihar, is pleased to enact as follows: 214.H.Pol. (1) f. no. 3/1944. 215.Ibid. 216.Ibid. 217.Ibid (1) f.no. 3/42/42.

132 Quit India Movement in old Patna division (1)This act may be called the bihar maintenance and restoration of order (indemnity) act 1943. (2) It extends to the whole of the province of Bihar (3)It shall came into effect at once.218 It was pleaded by the governemt that this act was as essential as to protect government officials from civil suits arising from action taken by them to suppress the rebellion. As reported by the state government to the secretary for state of india on 30 november 1942 the list persons punished in the province was the following.219 Bihar Arrested 14478 Jailed 8783 Cases of firing 83 Killed in firing 134 Injured 362 Whipping 196 District wise statement Patna district Arrested 2374 Jail 1438 Whipping 4 Gaya district Arrested 772 Jailed 306 Whipping 1 Shahabad Arrested 1462 Jailed 531 Whipping 14 218.H.Pol.(1) f.no. 3/42/42. 219.Ibid.

Bibliography & Appendices 133 The estimated death by firing during the movement was not less them 395 in the whole of Bihar. The Government justified the use of armed forces and the police by stating that the police, or the troops where they were employed in aid of the civil administration, were carrying out no more than their legal duties and obligations in using force for the defence of persons and property and for the prevention of violent rebellion intended to overthrow the Government which was responsible for the safety of all. It was for this purpose that armed forces were maintained by the state : and those who used force must expect to be met by force.220 In order to win public support the Government of India issued instructions to all provincial governments and administration to emphasise points in its favour. It was emphasised that the responsibility of the viceroy to the administration was to restore law and order, but the Congress was not agreeable to this arrangement.221 Sri Mohan Lal Saxena, member (central assembley) in his statement in the central assembly vehemently criticised the steps taken by the repressive Government during the movement and said in his statement “your excellency has no doubt convened the present session to get an endorsement of the repressive policy of your government and to have it proclaimed to the world that all was quiet on the Indian front. This is indeed the reproduction of the hitlerian tactices.”222 the promulgation of lawless laws and ordinances, the gagging and throtting of all self respecting and independent papers, the suppression of all news and views except those held by the provincial 220.H.Pol. (1) 24/11/42. 221.Ibid. 222.H.Pol. (1) f.no. 3/103/42

134 Quit India Movement in old Patna division and district geobbles, the internment without trial of thousand of patriots; the banning of congress organisation and meetings, lathi charge, firing, public flagging, shooting resulting the loss of life and limb to thousands and now in managing an alternative legislature, his majesty’s Government is adopting nazi methods designed to terrorise and cow down the people.223 Addressing a divisional Darbar at Patna held for the purpose of distributing sanads to those who had done specially good work in any pro-war activities, his excellency, the Governor of Bihar said that challenge contained in the resolution of congress working committee will be met and on the resolution of Congress working committee will be met and on the following day at Muzaffarpur, the Governor asked the district and subdivisional leaders of the national war front to prepare the people against the threat of civil disobedience which no patriotic Indian could support and which militated against the principles which the national war front stood for.224 During the third and fourth weeks of August 1942 over six thousand members were reported to have been enrolled for the national war front. The impression still persisted, however, that ultimately people enrolled to the front will be sent to the actual battle fields.225 Other than the Government, the Zamindars of Bihar, considered themselves part and parcel of the administrative machinery in their areas. They stood solidly behind the Government in every measure to be taken to restore internal order and to streng then India defence against aggression.226 223.H.Pol. (1) f.no. 3/103/42. 224.Bihar H.Pol. (spec.) F.No. 74/42. 225.Ibid. 226.Ibid(spec.) F.no. 75/42.

Bibliography & Appendices 135 The Zamindars appealed every son and daughter of India to stop the August movement. The signatories were Rai Bahadur Lakh Narayan Singh, Bachha Prasad Singh, Khan Bahadur Nawab Syed Shah and Wazid Hussain. A meeting of leading Zamindars was held at Biharshariff on the 9/9/42 at 3 P.M. in S.D.O.S chamber under the presidentship of mr. B.D.Pandey, S.D.O. Bihar in whichfollowing Zamindars were present Rai Bahadur Kamla Singh, Rai Sahib Anand Prasad Sinha, Rai Sahib Chunnilal Rastogi, Rai Sahib Bandilal Rustogi, Shah Mujtba Hussain Mutwali of Dogra waqf estate and Rai Sahib Lakshmichand Suchati and others. A Gaya Zamindars meeting was held on 26/8/1942 regarding measures to be taken to combat the subversive movement. All the leading zamindas of the district were at the meeting and all of them approved the proceeding.227 The measures decided in the meeting were to direct their managers, tehsildars, barahils, gomastas and headmen and patwaris and warned them severely that no incidious movement in furtherance of this subversive criminal movement will be tolerated in their zamindars. Their staff were to be on look out and to ascertain who were the leaders carrying on the movement seriously.228 In the whole province only Raja of Ranka, Palamau district had given active support to the Government in suppressing the rebellion. On 19th sept. 1942 an appeal by Darbhanga Raj was published criticising the acts of subversiveness and he was dismayed for the loss of life during the first period of the movement. He appealed especially to the students to maintain peace and do their duty. 227.Bihar H.Pol. (spec.) F.no. 75/42. 228.Ibid.

136 Quit India Movement in old Patna division Deapite the anti Congress or anti–movement compaign by Government and pro-Government agencies, the movement continued through underground way for several months. Although in his speech of sept. 10th 1942 Mr. Winston Churchill the British Prime Minister said ,“the Indian Congress party does not represent all India, it does not represent the majority of the people in India. It does not even represent the Hindu masses. It is a political organisation built around a party machine and sustained by certain manufacturing and financial interests out side that party and fundamental apposed to it are the 90 millian moslems in british india who have their rights of self expression: the 50 million depressed classes, or the untouchables as they are called because they are supposed to defile their hindu co-religionists by their presence or by their shadow and the 90 million subjects of the princes of india with whom we are bound by treaties, in all 235 million in their three large groupings alone, out of about 390 millions in all india.” The speech of W. Churchill aroused strong opposition in India very strong words were used by every Indian whether Congress or Muslim league, liberal or communist, progressive communists.229 Churchill’s speech and the ideas and sentiments underlying it were certainly shocking.230 The speech was full of irresponsible and incorrect statements even a school boy in India characterised it as a tissue of mis representation.231 It knocked at the head all hopes of settlement of the Indian dead lock. So far as Mr. Churchill’s condemnation of the 229.H.Pol. (1) f. no. 3/10/42. 230.Ibid. 231.Ibid.

Bibliography & Appendices 137 acts of violence was concerned, it was of course true that they did not bring credit to the Congress. The Government regarded it as a display of racial hatred.232 what happened in bihar and elsewhere proved that the movement had passed out of the hands of genune Congress men into the hands of students and left wings who had less regard for non-violence. 233 But nothing could be done to check violence because those whose influence could be employed on the side of peace and non-violence had been suddenly removed from the scene.234 The Government failed to furnish any convincing proof that the violent demonstrations were either engineered by congress men or formed part of the congress programme, and advanced no argument to defend its position in arresting several leaders including gandhiji before they could address final appeal to the viceroy. Mr. Churchill’s accusation that the Congress was sided by fifth column was also contested. There appeaed to be some truth in the statement that the fifth columinists took abvantage of situation created by the congress activities.235 What was happening was merely an expression of the pent- up hostile feeling against the British rule.236 The idea that complete freedom would be guaranteed by British immediately after the war was not acceptable to the congress. Such a promise was made during the last world war also but when mr. Churchill was reminded of it before the joint select committee in 1932 he calmly repudiated it. 232.H.Pol. (1) f. no. 3/10/42. 233.Ibid. 234.Ibid. 235.Ibid. 236.Ibid.

138 Quit India Movement in old Patna division He was known for making promises and shifting them away.237 India therefore, wonted independence immediately, here and now. Government turned a deafear to this demand. Hundreds of time police opened fire on demonstrators and several parts of the state were forcibly brought under control by troops, but the Government deliberately continued to suppress this information so that the world may not get an idea of the vast tragedy that was being enacted in the state.238 The government did not solve the problems in a statesman like manner but, on the contrary, continued to follow the policy of indiscriminate repression.239 ❖ 237.H.Pol. (1) f. no. 3/10/42. 238.Ibid. 239.Ibid.

Bibliography & Appendices 139 Chapter Five Impact of the movement The Quit India Movement had a wide and deep impact on the people of patna , gaya and Shahabad districts of Bihar. The movement influenced all sections of the people in innumerable ways. It affected the students, the teachers, the traders, the peasants, the labourers and several other professionals. However the students, the Indian national congress the Congress socialiat party and forward bloc were in the vanguard of the struggle. As Mahatma Gandhi was the man behind the movement it was bound to be popular throughout the country. Patna, gaya and Shahabad districts were the nerve centres of the movement in Bihar. The people of these three districts had taken an active part in various movements and revolts concerned with the freedom prior to the commencement of the Quit India Movement. Quit India Movement aroused the best in the people of patna, gaya and Shahabad districts and prepared them for supreme sacrifices and selflessness for the attainment of independence from British rule. Quit India Movement created patriotic fervor in the commonmen and generated new spirit in them for the gaining of independence. The call of the movement was faithfully carried out in different parts of Patna, Gaya and Shahabad by Congress volunteers, students, Congress socialist party members, forward bloc members and even commonmenlike cartmen, palladars, fishermen and a sober and nationalist section of the muslims. Within a short span of time it took such a dangerous shape that it actually became a very difficult administrative problem for the British Government to control and contain the movement.

140 Quit India Movement in old Patna division The sufferings and sacrifices which the people of these three districts underwent during the Quit India Movement succeeded in bringing about the desired results. This movement accounted for the growth of impatient nationalism and rise of the spirit of violent resistence to the British rule. The movement was marked by a great deal of courage, heroism and sacrifice on the part of the people of Patna, Gaya and Shahabad districts. The impact of the Quit India Movement on the people of this area may be marked right from the beginning of the movement till the end of 1943. The people of these districts like other districts of Bihar came openly against british rule during first few months of the movement and indulged in destruction of telephone lines and telegraph wires, damage to railways line and property, attack on police station, looting of treasury and burning of post offices, picketing onliquor shops and killing and manhandling of Europeans and similar other acts. Later on, when army reinforcements and police pressure prevented the open acts of defiance by the people, a powerful typical underground movement began which indluded the participation of several important Congress socialist party members and forward blocmen and students and some politico-criminals. There can not be two opinions about it that Congressmen and leaders like Rajendra Prasad, Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Sri Krishna Singh, Jaglal Choudhary and Jagat Narayan Lal and a few others were the guiding factors of the movement from its very start, although most of them had been arrested by the government and sent to jails. In Shahabad district, Basawan Singh, Suraj Nath Choubey, Budhan Rai Verma, Sardar Harihar Singh, Suraj Nath Choubey, Badhan Rai Verma, Sardar Harihar Singh, Riashat Quarim and Abdul Qayum Ansari were instrumental in making the movement successful. They visited several

Bibliography & Appendices 141 places of these districts many times during the course of the movement. Government records and files prove that the people of Patna, Gaya and Shahabad districts were actively associated with the quit india movement. “Do or die” and “now or never” were their main aims. In fact it was worse than the regime during the jallianwalla bagh tragedy as reported in several places in bihar, processionists were indiscriminately fired on to teach lessons. Those killed were either thrown in the rivers or disposed of by the police without any postmortem. Rape by police on a women in Rajgir was one of the barbarous examples of the regime. Life of the people had became very cheap because Government had issued orders that there was not going to be held any judicial enquiry or even any formal complaint in to all such happenings. It is a well known fact that for long, the British regarded the Congress as enemy number one and were waiting for the opportunity to deal a death blow to it in the belief and hope that thereby they would have a smooth sailing in their autocratic rule over india. But the course of events disillusioned them. By 1st September 1942 the political influence which operated most strongly were of the congress, Forward Bloc, students and enemy radio. In Bihar the dislocation of communications was so extensive that the narmal life of the country was immediately affected.240 The stoppage of postal and telegraph communication was almost universal in the whole province except in chotanagpur. The stoppage of money order facilities, especially in Patna, Gaya and Shahabad districts, the dislocation of railway traffic, which was not by any means restored to normal, had disturbed the supply position seriously and had given rise to local 240.H.Pol (1) F.No. 3/34/42.

142 Quit India Movement in old Patna division shortage. The food position in the industrial areas particularly had given the provincial Government considerable anxiety.241 There had been hardly any movement of sugar owing to the disruption of the railway system in north Bihar. The inability to move supplies freely had increased the tendency to hoard commodities. Both business and public travel had of course, been much affected. The supply position remained difficult for most of the time during the period of the movement . The impact of the 1942 movement on trade and commerce was on a smaller scale than was anticipated.242 This was due to the unexpected degree of discipline in certain aspects of the mass movement and also to the discipline among the muhamdane who were influenced by the muslim league attitude and possibly also by fear of attack if they gave any provocation. The discipline within the mass movement revealed itself in (1) the general absence of damage to private property (2) the absence of attack on the life and property of mohamdans as such (3) the rarity of attack on land lords, Mahajans and Baniyas. (4) the avoidance of any interference with electric power.243 It was possible that incidents might have been more frequent if the movement had not been so definitely concentrated on the attack on government property and on paralysing its administrative machinery and communications. 241.H.Pol (1) F.No. 3/34/42. 242.Ibid. 243.Ibid.

Bibliography & Appendices 143 The morale of the police force was uneven, officers from the rank of sub inspector upwards were on the whole fully cooperating with the Government but the rank and file of the constabularly were shaky specially in the earlier stages. Their staunchness varied to some extent with leadership displayed by their officers. The on set of the disturbances was so swift and the initial breaksown of the communications so extensive that in many places the police were paralysed at the first rush. Particularly the armed forces were potently inadequate to deal with the attack of this magnitude and in many places they lost confidence in themselves and in some places were completely inactive. 244 However, this occurred only in places where they were few and isolated. At some places like Patna. They stood up splendidly to the situation. Nearly all districts asked repeatedly for troops not only to meet the admittedly serious situation, but in order to stiffen the morale of the police. There were instances where they were not anxious to move without troops as support. There were several instances when the police were suspected of unwillingness to use their lathis or fire effectively. Strenuous efforts were certainly made to subvert the loyality of the police through some forms of appeal but these were probably without effect in taking the edge off their morale.245 There were two instances in which the police struck work. The first was at the constable’s training school at Nath Nagar, when during the initial confusion about 140 recruits deserted, this however seems to have been due to fight rather than anything else, for 100 of them soon rejoined. The other instance was at Jamshedpur when one of the traffic 244.H.Pol (1) F.No. 3/34/42. 245.Ibid.

144 Quit India Movement in old Patna division constable led a strike which affected about 120, the town police. Eventually all except thirty five returned to work. As regards general the conduct of other public services, district staff stood upto the strain. But there were cases too when the district staff vacillated to work. As a railway officer reported, “most of the officials with whom the railway were concerned seemed averse to taking the initiative and issuing orders on their own. The impression formed was that they did not possess the confidence that whatever action they took would be upheld by the local Government”.246 In a report to the Government of Bihar dated 12.10.42 the district magistrate Patna reported about the distribution of leaflets and bulletines inciting the public to revolt and about some leaflets entitled “Do or Die” from persons at pandarak.247 He referred to processions to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti and about a serious incident reported in Malpur village in the interior of Mokamah thana. An application was filed before the D.M. Patna at the instance of landlord of that village. Who resided at patna to the effect that some people of the village had established Swarij and were commiting loot. The application was forwarded to the S.D.O. Barh and he deputed Babu Keshav Prasad, sub dy. Magistrate stationed at Mokamah to go to the village with the troops. He started with the troops under a lieutenant by boat at mid-night of 10/10/1942 reaching the village early in the morning of 11/10/1942. The troops opened fire at the villagers. At this many ran away the report of the sub.Dy. Magistrate showed that some people of the village had really established a Swaraj Government with Surju Gope-Raja, Akkal Gope Pradhan Mantry, Suresh 246.H.Pol (1) F.No. 3/34/42. 247.Report of D.M. Patna , memo no. 5786/c dated 12/10/1942.

Bibliography & Appendices 145 Gope, Jlai Gope and Hariha Gope as Mantries, Pardip Singh as Captain of Sena with Jag Roop Chaukidar and Khaderan Chaukidar as his assistants. Sena consisted of Ram Pati Gope, Raghav Gope, Ghoti Gope, Ram Charan Gope, Jagwa Gope, Balchan Gope, Dwarka Gope, Chando Gope, Shukhdeo Gope, Phagu Dusadh, Jhapsi Dusadh, Kali Dusadh, Ranchi Dusadh and Faujdari Dusadh.”248 Some reaction against mob frenzy was also in evidence. A section of Patna people wanted to take out procession to demonstrate against the movement. At Bakhtiari near Buxar in Shahabad merchants belonging to Congress party having suffered pecuniary loss from looters, were co-operating in the suppression of the movement. Many provincial news papers had been forced to cease publication. Official communiqués and daily news bulletine were being published by Government from Patna.249 The public in general was more concerned with the economic situation and the increase in crimes in the province than to the war news and the threat of mass civil disobedience. The provincial leaders hoped that the new names given to the defence parties organized by the fornt I.E. Gram and Nagar–Raksha Dals would help in dissipating the doubts of the people as they understood what such a Dal stood for more readily that what was conveyed to them by the words national front. Poor people demurred to join them, because they had nothing to lose and there was no need for them to patrol the villages for the protection of the merchants and zamindars who profiteers or who upon the cultivators. The majority of the members of the village defence parties came from the smaller zamindars, the 248.Report of D.M. Patna , memo no. 5786/c dated 12/10/1942. 249.Bihar report on political events f.no. 60/42 dt. 22/8/1942.

146 Quit India Movement in old Patna division literate middle class and persons in some sort of service. 250 people had more or less come to realize that whatever the genesis of the fornt, the object for which it stood was inherently sound and in the best interest of the country. The dramatic turn of the war news had, had a profound effect on the public and encouraged those who were in support of the Government and even some sections who had been sitting on the fence were in a mood to support the Government. The heartening news coming from all fronts aroused optimistic speculations as to the ultimate result and duration of the war and it was being freely talked about that the collapse of the axis power was fast nearing. There was, however, a section of the public in which subversive propaganda had taken such root that British war success were being viewed with suspicion.251 An indication of the change of the public feeling was evident in a successful war meeting held on the 22nd November 1942 at Deo in the Gaya district which was previously regarded as a strong hold of the Congress. Collection for the Christmas gift fund now exceeded Rs. 2 Lakhs, which was much more than the quota expected of this province. The excitement caused by the outbreak of violence the quit india was now generally dying down; but anti british feeling among the educated public was still bitter. Intensive bombardment by the Japanese or if they achieved any initial success in Indian soil the case of an invasion might undoubtedly have resulted in a recrudescence of mass violence in which even the muslims, who were generally keeping quiet, may join. 250.Bihar report on political events f.no. 60/42 dt. 22/8/1942. 251.Ibid.

Bibliography & Appendices 147 Discontent at high prices was growing and the scarcity of food stuffs was very acute. 252 Government was blamed for failure to check profiteering and arrange for even distribution of food stuffs and feeling was that the masses would be fed by Government than starveing their own houses. Shortage of nickel and copper coins which was not confined to the towns of industrial areas only but was felt even in the villages had given rise to the rumours that Government had requisitioned them to be melted down for war purposes.253 Disorders were caused not by Congress alne. To some extent this might be attributed to agencies working directly for the Japanese. So war cabinet had suggested that urgent attention should be given to the development of a social and industrial policy in india.254 Some british officers were detained and confined at Bihta railway station. Sub inspector of police, Daudnagar in Gaya district had to flee away and jump into the river sone to save his life. Several police stations were abandoned and several police, military and civil officers were attacked and either injured badly of died during the movement period. This was the general picture of the administration during the quit india movement. It was reported tha a fresh out break, might be on a very dangerous scale.255 The provincial Government had considered the following measures necessary (1) the loan of at least two battalions of armed forces (1800-2000 men). 252.Bihar report on political events f.no. 60/42 dt. 22/8/1942. 253.Ibid. 254.H.Pol. (1) F.No. 3/34/42. 255.Ibid.

148 Quit India Movement in old Patna division (2) increased mobility for armed police forces as in the shape of liberal supply of suitable motor transport. (3) the strengthening of police stations by special constables. (4) the retention of a nucleus of military troops in the area as a reserve. It is clear from the above facts that the spontaneous outbreak of the movement took the administration by surprise and they totally failed in their duty at least in the first stage of the movement. Police by themselves were incapable of maintaining law and ordernin bihar during the month of August 1942. J.W. Foultan, advisor to Governor of Bihar, sent the information to the Government of India with a copy to insector general of police bihar in which it was stated that “one result of military and police pressure on the 1942 rebels was to drive some of their organizations underground.”256 In north and central bihar a number of terrorist groups had been revived or had come into being. Their member consisted of Congress socialist, forward bloc and criminal elements. In Shahabad especially in part of industrial areas of the district the former terrorist Suraj Nath Choubey was directing the operations. In Patna district the violent rescue of a political offender by twenty congress men from the custody of a constable and a Chaukidar was reported. Terrorists attempted to derail a train running from patna to Gaya, on Jan. 23rd, 1943. The Warsaliganj police station was set on fire and mail runner was attaked. An armed gang of Congress rebels were operating in the Dumaria and Imamganj areas. A former member of the Gaya district board, went about waring viollagers not to accept paper 256.H.Pol.(1) f.no. 3/19/44.

Bibliography & Appendices 149 currency, to stop payment of taxes and to resist police. Five instances of terrorist looting mail bags were reported from Shahabad. An explosive damaged the office of the district soldiers board Arrah, whereas at Dehri-On-Sone houses of a Daimianagar paper mill operative was searched for absconders. Five bombs and a quantity of explosives and implements for committing sabotage were recovered. 257 Much before the start of the Quit India Movement, Patna, Gaya and Shahabad districte had already began their anti British compaign through several pamphlets. Such a pamphlet in news paper shape was recoverd by B.N. Mishra, then D.I.G. (C.I.D.) Of Bihar Government. One Mr. Jadunandan Singh was arrested at arrah with a Hindi paper Janta of 1st Jan. 1941. In its title ‘path of sacrifice’ the paper said that shouting the slogan “victory to swaraji” will mean stopping, refusing contribution of even a lose coin to ‘Miss Britania’ conducting the kisan mazdoor revolution with stormy speed, defeating the enemies of the “panchayat raj” and combining to break open the doors of the jails to bring out Swamijee (Shahjanand Saraswati) and other servants of Kisan and Mozdoor.258 The people of Patna, Gaya and Sahahabad districts indulged in all shorts of activities which would have made eff-ective administration of these areas impossible. They cut off telephone and telegraph wires, removed railway lines, demolished bridges, picketed the law courts and canal offices, opposed all kinds of taxes, engaged in hartals, boycotted schools and colleges and tried to impede the war efforts of the British Government. The Government had taken a serious view of the fact that immediately after arrests of all India Congress 257.H.Pol.(1) f.no. 3/19/44. 258.Ibid. (Report of the D.I.G.(C.I.D.)

150 Quit India Movement in old Patna division working committee members on 9th August, 1942 unarrested members of the A.I.C.C. had met in Bombay where a last message from Gandhiji was read to the effect that the every man was now free to go to the fullest length by non-violent means including complete dead lock and strikes and the slogan was to be “Do or Die”. 259 the Government objected to the programme drawn up by the congress and distributed in the different parts bihar. The Government accused many congressmen for playing a prominent part in many of the worst disturbances in different parts of Bihar including Patna, Gaya and Shahabad districts. The Congress socialist party played an important part and after the escape from jail of its secretary, Jai Prakash Narayan, underground activities became increasingly important in directing the course of the movement. Congress socialists were active in underground movement in Bihar and particular attention was paid to propaganda among students. Forward blochad come out in support of the congress in Bihar and it conducted underground propaganda in form of leaflets which advocated vidlence. The arrest of Congress leaders which might lead to the collapse of the movement proved a gross miscalculation on the part of the Government. This precipitated a great crisis for the Government instead of nipping the movement in the bud. It gave it a shape which the government never envisaged. The Government by arresting Gandhiji and other important Congress leaders committed a Himalayan blunder and precipitated a dangerous situation. The Congress had waited for nearly three years for just a semblance of real power in order to rouse the country for action. It had stood for armed resistance to Japan and it had insisted on the transfer of power in order to save Britain but it had received 259.H.Pol.(1) f.no. 3/31/42.