Bibliography & Appendices 51 of good work for congress being rewarded on attainment of Swaraj. So great was the damage that the only communication between Patna and other districts was by air via Gaya. One battalion of York and lances’ arrived. Eastern army was asked to dispatch further troops to Patna. Railway bridge between Gaya and Jehanabad and sone east were being guarded by army. European population in out laying areas were threatened.63 Arson and looting at Kiul, Mokamah Junction on 16.6.42 was reported. Machine gun fire was opened by patrol train in two places and eight persons were believed to be killed. Highly inflammatory pamphlets were put in circulation in patna. Most of the districts reported situation as out of hand and demanded troops reinforcement, situation in north Bihar was still more grave. Twenty three brigade head quarters and one battalion of border regiment reached Patna on August 17th. Wide spread mob violence accompanied by Arson looting and sabotage throughout north and south Bihar were reported. Big bridges were demolished, Railway line were tempered with, telephone-telegraph communication were cut off, road were dug up as demanded by the pro-congress liaf-let circulated in Bihar. Patna After the arrest of Rajendra Prasad and other Congress leaders on 9.8.42 in the Hindi Vidyapith and Sadaquat Ashram at Patna, the news spread like wild fire. In the evening of the same day procession mainly consisting of the college students paraded the principal thoroughfares and proceeded, towards Government house. It terminated at king 63.Bihar F.No. 75/42.
52 Quit India Movement in old Patna division George road where they held a meeting to organise regular hartal64. The next day accordingly on the 10th August Hartal was observed in the schools and colleges and most of the Hindu shops were closed. In the evening of the 10th August there was a meeting in the Bankipore lawn in which it was decided to intensify picketing in the educational institutions; to hoist flag on the secretariat building and to picket the cinemas. In pursuance of this two cinema halls, the elphinst one and the regent were picketed.65 That very night the cinema halls had to be closed and the mob dispersed with the help of the police. It may be closed and the mob dispersed with the help of the police. It may be noted that four days ago on 5.8.42 a crowded meeting of the students was held in the Anjuman Islimia hall under the presidentship of Babu Anugrah Narayan Singh where the students were exhorted to be prepared for the coming national fight for freedom. According to the resolution of the 10th August at Bankipore lawn meeting pocketing in the educational institution was intensified and bodily resistence was offered to the students willing to enter the school premises. On 11th August at 2P.M. a huge procession led by them proceeded towards the secretariat and was joined by students of the local schools. The processionists wanted forcibly to enter the secretariat compound and to hoist congress flags.66 Inspite of pursuation by the officials for about three hours asking the processionists to disperse, the many members of the mob insisted on achieving their object of forcibly hoisting the congress flag on the secretariat building.67 They 64.H.Pol.(1) 3/16/42 and Bihar (special)F.No. 76/42. 65.Ibid. 66.Ibid. 67.Ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 53 occasionally pelted brick bats on the officials and the mounted military police causing injury to several persons. When all warnings failed five was ordered which resulted in the death of seven persons and injury to several others. Thus the mob dispersed carrying away the injuried and the dead. Among the dead were: 1.Umakant Singh s/o Ram Kumar Singh, village- Narendra pur P.O.-Hasanganj, Thana–Daroli, District- Saran, (11th class student of Ram Mohan Roy Seminary). 2.Ramanand singh s/o Laxman Singh, Vill.-Sahadat nagar, P.O.-Masaurhi, Patna (11th class student of Ram Mohan Roy seminary). 3.Satish Prasad Jha s/o Jagdish Prasad Jha, Vill.- Khaudra, Banka, Bhagalpur, (a 11th class student of Patna collegiate). 4.Jagpati Kumar, s/o Sri Mukhraj Bahadur, Vill.- Khrati, P.O.-Obra, District-Gaya. (A B.N. College student). 5.Devipad Choudhary, s/o Devendranath Choudhary, Vill.-Jamalpur, Silhat (A 9th class student of Millar School). 6.Rajendra Prasad Singh s/o Sheonarayan Singh, Vill.-Banwari chak , Sonepur, Saran. 7.Ramgovind Singh, s/o Deoki Singh, Vill- Basrath, P.S.-Fulwari Patna (a 11th class student of Punpun). On the 12th August there was complete Hartal and almost all the shops were closed and all the educational institutions and the local bar were deserted. Students, Rickshawalles and coolies joined the demonstration and took out procession in different parts of patna town68. Even some ladies like Srimati Bhagwati Devi, Smt. Sundari Devi and Smt. Ram Pyari Devi, joined the procession69. In the evening a crowded meeting was held in the Kadam Kuwan 68.H.Pol.(1) 3/16/42 and Bihar (special)F.No. 76/42. 69.H.Pol.F.N. 3/16/42.
54 Quit India Movement in old Patna division Congress Maidan where Sri Jagat Naryan Lal delivered speeches inciting the students to bring the Government to knee by cutting all means of communications and by other acts of sobatage paralysing the war efforts.70 It had instaneous effect and a police lorry parked nearby was set on fire and the mob spread in all direction of the town , cutting wires, blocking open the culverts and knocking down the letter boxes and by removing the rails. The authorities were taken by surprise as no time was lost between public incitement given at the Kadam Kuwan meeting and the actual act of sabotage. Folice totally failed to tackle the then situation. For the time being it appeared that the mob, handled things more or less in their own way.71 This chaotic state of things continued on the 13th and the 14th August. Since the 15th August after the placing of military pickets on arrival of a large contigent of military from Ranchi, order seemed to be restored and the roads were cleared of the blockades. By that time the A.R.P. lorries were also made available which proved very helpful in rushing police help in the interiors. On 11th August girls H.E. school gate became very boisterous while picketing. Police dispersed them.72 On 12th August some glass panes and clock of the Patna Junction were damaged when several thousand mob mustered near Jail compound at the frazer road, dak bunglow road right up to the Mithapur T.O.P. while the prisoners were being transferred from the bankipore jail to the camp jail one of the motor bus was attacked by the mob which was severely damaged alongwith its engine, making 70.H.Pol.F.N. 3/16/42. 71.Ibid. 72.Ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 55 it immovable. Thirty three prisoners who were on the lorry escaped. Mr. Richardson of Jhapha sugar factory in the District of Muzaffarpur was pelted with brick bats at Digha B.N.W.Rly. Steamer Ghat. Miller H.E.school and Dayanand H.E. School students picketed and son of Mr.Brown , private secretary to the chief justice Patna assaulted but he was rescued by a resident, Mr. Anderson, the pilot superintendent of I.Y.M. and R.S.M. Co. was thrown in the ganges after some assault. He was, however, immediately rescued by other. Railway lines on Patna–Gaya were tempered with evening train to Gaya could not proceed beyond a few hundred yards from the Railway station. About two hundred to three hundred people attacked taregna station in Massaurhi, where the records, some articles and furniture were burnt. Records of Digha post office were also burnt on that night. On 14th August Punpoon police station and post office and Phulwari union board office were burnt by the ferocious mab. The premises of the Phulwari Railway station was also burnt. Records and other furnitures of other Railway station on Patna–gaya line were burnt including those of Nadaul-Halt. The papers of Pobhera of Pobhera post office in Massaurhi police station and Sheorampur in Phulwari Sharif were also burnt, on the same day. On 15 August an abortive attack was made on the Massurhi thana premises. On 19th August records of beer post office in the Massaurhi police station were burnt. On 22nd August the liquor shop of Nadaul in the Massaurhi police station was looted. Congress volunteers’ procession demonstrated in front of Phulwari police station on 1st September.on 26 August. Hilsa students moved to the villages to try and rearrange enthusiasm for disorder as soon as the rice plantation was over. Attempt to start no tax compaign was
56 Quit India Movement in old Patna division under way and attempts were made to influence police offices to resign. On 2nd sept. 20 students while picketing cottage industry institute were arrested. Five thousand students of massaurhi marched to city court to hoist flage and the city H.E. School struk work. On 11th August Sitaram and Hare Krishan Sinha, the important Congress men of Dinapur town, organized hartal in the town and took out a procession with the object of hoisting Congress flags on the various Government buildings and regimental offices at Dinapur. A mab consisting of about two hundred was seen by an officer at the bridge leading to the cantonment area. Mild lathi charge was resorted to, the mob brick batted the police, cut telephone wires at 2 pleces and also damaged municipal street lamps.73 On August 12th, students of Agwanpur H.E. school Barh were seen aggressive. Babu Deosaran singh, a localvakil and member of A.I.C.C. addressed 2 meetings and was arrested after the meeting. 90% Hindu shops observed hartal in the town and the students of the Nalanda college and town school were on strike and paraded the streets of the town. They demanded closure of shops. They also led a procession towards the court but were dispersed near police station and three of their leaders were arrested. On 15 August at about 10 A.M. a truck carrying European an military officers who had been rescued the previous evening was blocked and a train was held up at 1.5 miles east of Patna city Railway station. An unruly mob pelted brickbats on the troops on the main city road. The troops in self defense opened fire which resulted in injury to several of them. 73.H.Pol.F.N. 3/16/42.
Bibliography & Appendices 57 All communication with extensive damage had ceased functioning except dinapure up to 14th August. On 14th August Railway track between Buxar and Mokamah was cleared but still at several places trains were being held up by the agitated mob. 11up train was stopped at Patna city station and driver was compelled to drive engine over a gap in the rails. European passengers including some military personnel were assaulted and believed to be kept in confinement.74 19 U.P. train was looted near Fatwa. On 14th morning Patna Gaya line was damaged near Poonpoon . railway police on patrol duty opened fire on saboteurs killing one and wounding two. 22 down passenger at Bihta was stopped and attacked. Mob attacked a few British soldiers and captured three military vehicles. A police officer on duty fired his revolver wounding one student. Movement was carefully planned and the Government intelligence system was totally a failure and badly at fault. As reported by major general wakely, the strikes from 9th to 11th August was complete and ordinary constabulary had put up a poor ahow whereas the Gurkha and the MMP work praise worthy .75 On 12th August Patna was cut off due to large scale sabotage of communication, attack on 4 post offices in Patna city and burning of city railway station Fatwa rly station was also burnt and several attacks on railway communications were reported. On 13th August there were several reports of train sabotage, assault on passengers and extensive damage to rail and road communication in Patna division. Military lorries or trucks were smashed and their soldiers were attacked at Bihta. At Fatwa also two R.A.F. officers were dragged from train and killed on the 13th 74.H.Pol.F.N. 3/16/42.. 75.Bihar F.N. 49/42.
58 Quit India Movement in old Patna division August. On 14th a military provision train was looted at Bihta. Punpun railway station was burnt where the troops fired killing one on the 15th August. Registry office, post office and excise–warehouse were burnt at Hilsa and nawbatpur police station was raided and police personnel were assaulted. In Bihta train–loot 40 wagans were looted. On the 17th Bikram mob dislocated all traffic on B.S.N.W.railway. police had to open fire to disperse a large mob on 18th August. On 25th August at Barh forty persons were arrested when a mob of five hundred attempted a raid. Situation gradually improved but constant patrol was put on exercise to provide protection from danger to lives.76 Trials by special magistrates began in Patna.77 Situation was quit at Patna but it was worsening in southern part of the district. Movement was still spreading although rail and road communications were partially restored in places coverengan area of about 60 miles round patna up to 14th August, Patna town had almost returned to normal and district administration had somewhat improvement by 22nd August. No further development was seen in Patna division.but however, labour agitation was to create new administrative problems. An appeal to Government servants even non or Pro-Congress was put in circulation in patna urging them to resign. This situation was prevalent after 22nd August. Minor tampering with railways tracks were noticed in patna division after 26th August Patna division made further progress towards return to normalcy though a few cases of tampering with railway lines were still being reported. Distribution of leaflets and bulletines inciting the public to revolt at Barh were in circulation during the 76.H.Pol.(1) 3/30/42. 77.ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 59 period.78 some leaflets entitled “Do or Die” from arrested persons at pandarak were seiged. Small processions to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti were taken out on 12.8.42. Sub inspector of police anwarul haque of Bakhtiarpur P.S. was assaulted and his house was looted by mab, 10 arrests were made under section 436 I.P.C.in Bakhtiarpur police station case no. 7.(8)42/45/142/307/436 I.P.C. Three thousand men paraded before the police building. The mob was led by Bhola singh. Prisioners were rescued from police lock up. On 15.8.42 complete hartal was observed at Bakhtiarpur Bazaar. People were seen moving with deadly weapons in a big procession around the P.S. at 11.15 A.M.79 Dhoa river bridge cutting was reported and Bakhtiarpur–Bihar road was blocked. Several implements used for damaging bridge were seiged. The force was attacked while it was returning by ten to fifteen thousand men a 6 p.m. position became serious at Barh. An attempt was made to raid barh police station and to hoist Congress flag. Police opened fire on the mob killing two and injuring one. Congress flag was hoisted on Mokamah police station. Three hundred twenty one persons were arrested and forwarded to fulwari camp jail. On 17.8.42 leaflets in Hindi were in circulation supposed to have been issued by the forward bloc threatening to kill Government servants of secretariat and collectorate and civil sourts. Forward bloc office was raided and a bundle of leaflets were seized.80 Secret meetings in muffasil villages to organize non- payment of taxes and to plan to raid police stations were reported. Terrorists were contemplating to attack G.P.O., secrataiat and the imperial bank. some employees of Bihar 78.Bihar H.Pol.(spec.) F.N. 24.11.42. 79.Bihar F. no.75/42. 80.Ibid.
60 Quit India Movement in old Patna division cotton mill lift their services. Mob was fired on 14.8.42 at Noubatpur police station by the S.I. Six were arrested and one was injured by gun shot. A copy of congredd instruction to the people was put in found circulation. S.I. and A.S.I. had to remove their families as the situation was very grave.81 On 15th August Daliganav villagers rescued one political prisoner while being escorted by the Ular police station, Bikram police station was facing serious danger of being attacked by a mob. On the same day at village Gona, under Bikram police station mail bag was looted by the terrorists. Registry officer was so much afraid that he even did not rely on the constables a shot–gun belonging to one serodrome engineer staying in maner dakbunglow stolen on 16.8.42, which was recovered and found in the compound on 17/8/42 after the firing at Nawbatpur on 14/8/42 the situation had deteriorate there. Torturing of relations of the rural police and destroying their crops with a view to force them to recall the Chaukidars and daffadars was observed.82 Desertion of some Chaukidars was also reported in this area. On 16/8/42 a meeting was held at village Naianpura proposed to raid Nawbatpur police station after attacking Bikram police station on 17.8.42. military patrolling had to be introduced in Nawbatpur and Paliganj.83 D.S.P. of Bihar sub-division reported that many people from hernout tampered with notice board of the Bihar station and post office, forced the engine dirver of railway to take the train to Rajgir. All railway bridges between hornaut were either shattered or burnt, railway lines were removed , telegraph and telephone wire was cut. Ekkawalas at Bihta observed strike. Chandi police station was attacked and the 81.Bihar F. no.75/42. 82.ibid. 83.ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 61 police fired on the mob. The mob dispersed but was determined to raid police station again. S.i. and additional force eacaped from their post with their family in the cover of night and ordered their men to go away. Strong force for Chandi and Hilsa was requisitioned as discussed by S.D.O. and D.S.P. with brigadier border regiment at Bihar on 16.4.4284 day and night patrolling in city and kotwali area by the armed police was introduced. Military patrolling at Barh under the supervision of D.M.S.P. was introduced on 17.8.42. escort train form Dinapur to Mokamah were started. All trains from Mokamah returned on 14.8.42 as they not proceed further on account of heavy damage to the lines. Several rails were removed at Sadisopur in Patna district. Troops fired killing 4/5 students injuring two. A slogan shouting strong mob of women reached civil court on 16.8.42 at 12.30 hours at Patna. Ten persons were arrested. Forty picketed students girls H.E. school Golghar but were later on dispersed by the S.D.O. Secret meetings in Kurjee, Bansghat, and Digha Chauk to set fire to Digha railway station were held.85 political suspects M.L.Sen and Gyan Saha were arrested on 14.8.42 some young men residing in the house of Sri Bal Deo Sahay were arrested after house raid on 16.8.42. Jagat Narayan Lal and Anugrah Narayan Sinha were also residing in that house before their arrests. Nine persons were arrested afther the raid. on 15.6.42 inspector of Hilsa while proceeding on foot as all means of communication were sabotaged, saw two thousand people ready to burn police station, post office and registry office. The mob also tried to break open the congress office which had previously been seized by the police. They compelled the police to take off 84.Bihar F. no.75/42. 85.Bihar H.pol. spec.F.no.75/42.
62 Quit India Movement in old Patna division their uniform and attempted to snatch away their revolver. Bick tatting on constables were resorted to and a Bhala attack was made on the inspector but he could be hit with a brick bat only. On arrival of armed police from Massaurhi fire resorted to resulting in four killed and one injuried. Ten soldiers were still stationed at Poonpoon bridge. On 16.8.42 Ram Bhar Singh of kosut with the help of local people made serious offorts to burn the police station, warned thana people to quit their quarters otherwise they would be killed. The s.i. had mobolised eighties Chaukidars and 15 daffadars for protection. On 16.8.42 a mab visited village Kukuan, Jalalpur and threatened those who were helping the police and staying at police station. Shambhu Nath Sinha of Massaurhi had brought some bengalisand preparations were being made to burn the excise warehouses near thana. Military guard patrol shat three persons including Ambika singh of Massaurhi on 17.8.42. who were tampering with the railway lines. In city area up to 17.8.42. three hundred forty three arrests were made including dinapur sub division. Bikram police station was surrounded by four thousand mob and S.I. opened fire on them. To loot the treasury at bikaram was contemplated by the people. Six muskets were sent to S.I. for safety of the Government property to Nawbatpur. Road between Dinapur and Nawabatpur was cleared on 17.8.42. situation in Bakhtiarpur in barh sub division appeared to be quiet after the frequent units of the military patrol. On the Bakhtiarpur–Bihar and Bakhtiarpur Barh road people were still making preparation for further mischief. A message from Mokamah received form Mr. Baston on 16.8.42 read that looting was still going on at Mokamah Junction and Ghat. Mob grew larger after being reinforced by people from the interior. The European and Anglo-Indians were being attacked and insulted. They got in
Bibliography & Appendices 63 to a ferry and anchored midstream.86 They presumed that the boat may proceed towards Calcutta. Planes flew over head from time to time but the people on longer feared them. On 17.8.42 two thousand mob damaged bridge at mile 5 of Bihar–Noorsarai road.87 At Hilsa police station Chandi was looted by village people consisting of 4000/5000 mab and in this incident the bother of S.I. was injured. On 16.8.42 at Ekangar-Sarai forty two rioters snatched uniform of a hawaldar of the additional police force of constable no. 1594 and burnt it at the railway station . on the same day a mob of 500 raided Islampur post office and burnt its records, and furniture. Track engine was destroyed but the attempt to raid police station failed.on 14.8.42 an attempt to take guns of armed police was made at hilsa. Forty three shots were fired in which four were killed and one was injured. At Bakhtiarpur Italian military mail bag was burnt . On 18.8.42 roads of Asthama and Goithwn bridge were destroyed and dacoity too was committed. situation at Silao grew grave. On 18.8.42, a procession of fifty students was taken out and out of these were three arrested. At Barh, on 13.8.42 hartal was observed in evening, booking office was burnt, procession was taken out in day and it was apprehended that the mob would raid the police station, post office and jail. Guard of railway station was assaulted and his articles were looted. On 16.8.42 a big procession paraded before the jail.on 12.8.42 procession by students was taken out at Mokamah. They also brick batted schools. On 13.8.42,2/3000 mob damaged B.N.W.R. station. Mokamah ghat, burnt booking office cut telegraph wire, removed rails and looted about one thousand bags from the 86.Bihar H.pol. spec.F.no.75/42. 87.Ibid.
64 Quit India Movement in old Patna division godown. They also assaulted Mr.Wison, D.L.O. and destroyed all the articles. Goods-shed at Mokamah and Dinapur (car company) were also looted.88 On 13.8.42 in the morning about one hundred students of Gardanibagh H.E. school broke gate of the school and ranshaked office, store and sports goods before the police arrived. Digha post office was set on fire at 3 P.M. on 13.8.42.at 7 A.M. the mob stopped the car of European engineer near Digha Ghat workshop and did not allow him and labourers go to work in the workshop at 11 A.M.lt. col. Burkely hill while walking from Digha ghat to St. Xaviers was attaked by a mab on the way and his attaché case with contents was snatched and he was thrown on the ground. Almost all police stations and post offices as well as railway of the Patna district were in imminent danger. Jainul abdin of N.R.R.comingon cycle from city at 8 A.M. was attacked by a mob near Patna college. He was relieved of his hat, waterproof cost and was thrown down from his cycle. His wrist watch and five chamber loaded revolver were snatche. He was assaulted and he sustained injury on his forehead. A case under section 4/47/379 was refistered in pirbahore police station. At 11.30 A.M. a ten men procession to civil court verandah was taken out where as Kadam Kuwan, Chauhata and Mahendru post offices were burnt with the offices of Patna city municipality, city railway station, post office of Gulzarbagh and station, sub post–offices of Haziganj and Begampur and looted. On 13th August prisones in the Patna camp Jail staged hunger strike for anseparate kitchen.89 A mob entered the office of Government public library and burnt the photograph of the king emperor after pulling it down. They also led 88.Bihar H.pol. spec.F.no.75/42. 89.Ibid. 3/16/42.
Bibliography & Appendices 65 obstruction on the khagaul road making it impassable on 14.8.42 Phulwari afea was being patrolled by railway protection force under the command of Rai Bahadur J.P.Singh. Dinapur students union and the thana students Congress committee incited local students and people for sobatage prominent among those were. (1) Chandra Shekhar Pd. Singh, president Dinapur students union. (2) Shiv Chandra Arya, secretary. (3) Raghu Nath Prasad, member. (4) Jagdish Narayan Verma. (5) Kuldip Narayan. (6) Rajrup Singh. (7) Dr. Lal Das. (8) Munsi Rai. (9) Ram Prasad Bihari. (10)Abdul Quasim. (11) Jharokh Lal. (12) Hardeo Das Sadhu attended the meting . fifteen persons were arrested at Khagaul while meeting was in progress. A procession was taken out to hoist Congress flag on the Government building. The mob now consisted of about five hundred. Hartal at Bharatpura H.E. school was called off. On 15th August Athmal Gola (Bakhtiarpur) sleepers were blasted and removed. Six coaches were burnt at Patna city station. Three miles in the east engine was detached. A raid on the house of a local paladar resulted in the recovery of subversive leaflets of fifty different varieties.on the fourteenth nov. 42 one Narsingh Narayan Azad an
66 Quit India Movement in old Patna division important absconding socialist, was arrested and four live cartridges were received from his possession.90 Gaya Like other districts ‘Quit India Movement’ in the district of Gaya in Patna division was spreading both in rural and urban areas.91 On August 9th procession led by students and people demonstrated before Government offices at Gaya and other towns . the mob dispersed after lathi charge. There was report of attack on Government offices, police stations, post offices , railway stations and even some prisoners were forcibly freed by public. Gaya kotwali resorted to firing on the 13th on a mob of saboteurs who were trying to hoist flag. Two block watch military contigent reached Gaya by train in the night. Makhdumpur railway station signal wires were cut by rioting mob. On 14th Gaya was Quiet but permanent was obstructed by heaps at Jehanabab railway station. From 12th there was no telecommunication in north of Gaya . the only communication was by plane via Patna.92 North Punpun station coaches on line were obstructed. On 16th August Warsaliganj, Kashichak rails were removed. Train was held up at Gaya and railway police mill started from 18th August. Special military train from Ranchi to Gaya, Sasaram Rafiganj and Mugalsarai was started. S.P. of Gaya reported that all out–laying police stations were in danger of being looted.93 North of Gaya faces a number of firings. Police opened fire at Jehanabad. On 19th August Chakand railway station was burnt. On 20th August arwal block was looted 90.Bihar H.pol. spec.F.no.75/42. 91.Ibid. 92.Ibid. 93.Ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 67 and all personel were injured. Gaya ample cause of anxiety. On 10th August one platoon of military force reached Daudnagar and on 11th supervisors collecting revenue were attacked by a hear of elephants at semaria causing some damage.94 In the Kotwali police firing one person was killed and seven injured. On 19th a strong mob attempted to raid arwal police station-police officer fired from his rifle but injuried himself. On the same day Ghosi police station was also attacked and in the district many post offices were looted. On 29th August Rafiganj railway line was damaged . condition at Jehanabad and Punpun station became serious on 14th August. A police guard on bridge duty was killed by people. Mob always was seen trying to damage the bridge . On 20th August at Gaya 150 clerks went on strike. Ghosi people attempted to attack, loot and blow Islampursarai police station. Complete strike and procession at katirasarai on 18.8.42 headed by Ram Awatar Sharma were noticed. Leaflets concerning ten point Congress programme were distributed. Telegraph and telephone communications from outside to gaya were still cut off. Many attacks and disturbances in the interior part of the district were reported. After report of expensive damage in the north of Gaya, the commissioner and collector visited the disturbed areas of Gaya. Wires were found cut on several occasions and this occurred in twenty one places in the town of Gaya one night immediately after the troops that had been stationed there had left. One of the saboteur was caught in the acct. on 29th August again railway telegraph wires were cut near Gaya. 94.H.Pol. (1) 3/42/44.
68 Quit India Movement in old Patna division On 24/25th August six hundred tones of coal was rushed to Gaya by the main and P.G. line.95 On sept 3rd one platoon of bed hert regiment arrived at Aurangabad. On 4th sept. local Zamindars of in Gaya district helped police in crushing the attacking mob armed with spear mounted on horse was seen. Several men were treempled to death. On 11th sept. two platoons were sent to Jehanabad to control the situation there.96 After the damage of Rafiganj railway line was done police reached there on 31st sept. and resorted to fire killing two persons. On 11th sept. Nabi Nagar road station was burnt and looted leading to much damage to railway property. Terrorists attempted to derail train running from Patna to Gaya. On 23rd sept. The Warsaliganj police station was set on fire and a mail runner was attacked. An armed gang of Congress rebels was operating in the Dumaria- Imamganj area with a former member of the Gaya local board it went about waring villages not accept paper currency and to stop payment of taxes and to resist the police.97 Passanger train derailed on Patna Gaya line out side Gaya station on Jan. 3rd 1943. On sept.6th firing was resorted at Pakri Barawan and some arrests were made. National flags was hoisted a Kauwa kol police station and post office on 23rd August. It was reported that during the movement period police station of Atri, Goh, Nabi Nagar, Kutmba, Kurtha, Arwal, Ghosi, Gurua, Imamganj, Dumaria 95.Bihar H.Pol.(spec.) 67/42. 96.Ibid.3/31/42. 97.Ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 69 Gobindpur, Kauwakol, Warsaliganj and Pakri Barawan had been removed.98 The people of Aurangabad sub-division of Gaya district were also very active during the period of ‘quit india movement ‘some of the leading persons engaged in terrorist activities were Ram Swaroop Singh of village Kauwa Kokh (Rafiganj), such Deo Singh of village Karsara (Rafiganj), Daroga Singh of village Bhadwa, Ram Naresh Singh of village Budheya, Ram Dhyan Singh of village Karma and Mithilesh Kumar Singh of village Jamhore. They were members of the Congress socialist party and were engaged in manufacturing and distributing arms and ammunitions to revolutionaries. In Aurangabad sub-division Abdul Gafoor, Bal Ram Singh, Ram Deo Singh, Ram Chandra Sao, Raksha Prasad Lal, Ram Narayan Sainik, Bal Keshwar Ram and Priya Brat Narayan Singh played a very significant role in arousing the people of the sub-division against the British rule during the Quit India Movement. British Government in retaliation burnt their houses and took hold of their properties. Besides the above prominent leaders Yadu Nandan Mishra, a Congress man of Madanpur took an active part in the August movement for which he was arrested and sent to jail. Lalu Prasad Kurmi, Husen Shao, Ram Briksha Lal, Pandit Badri Nath Sastri, Mathura Nath Tiwari and Ram Chandra Tiwari of deo under Aurangabad subdivision openely participated in the August movement. Later on when Jai Prakash Narayan escaped with five other revolutionaries from Hazaribagh central jail he stayed for a day or two at Jamhore and Tarwan village of Nabinagar in Aurangabad subdivision. In Jamhor two local persons namely Suraj Narayan Singh and Mithilesh Kumar Singh had close contact with Jai Prakash Narayan. This might 98.Bihar H.Pol.(spec.)3/16/42.
70 Quit India Movement in old Patna division have led to fresh recurrence of violent opposition to British rule in this area. Shahbad District of Shahabad like Patna district was one of the most sensitive districts of Bihar during the Quit India Movement. Revolutionaries spread even in the interior parts of this district and started looting and burning Government offices, police stations, canal offices, telephone wires and railway stations. Distribution of terrorist leaflets and terrprosts activities.99 With murder of Government official was the order of the day. Military atrocities, warranted firing, caning and beating of public by police and military men was a usual routine work in the district. Houses were raided, destroyed and even looted by the police during the quit india movement in this distrust. Even pro government people were assaulted and houses of service men were raided in several places. After the arrest of congress leaders there was partial hartal. Procession of students and general public was organised on 9.8.42 at Arrah and Dalmianagar. Riasat Karim a labour leader at Dalmianagar was arrested by the local arthorities. Paramhans Narayan Misir, labour superintendent there, in co-operation with other labour leaders was trying to oreate labour trouble among the workers of Dalmia Nagar factory.100 On the evening of 11th August Mr.S.P. Jain of the management security measures for Dalmianagar. The strike at Rohtas industries started on the 11th August.101 99. Report of S.D.O.Sasaram on 3.10.42. 100.Ibid. 101.Ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 71 On the moring of 12th August even the power house stopped supply making a History which never happened before in previous strikes. Riasat Karim and Basawan Singh were the main leaders who played prominent role in the activities of the labourers although Karim was already in jail and Basawan Singh was absconding. The supervisory staff responsible for the strike at Dalmianagar. D.R.L.railways tracks were badly damaged by rioters from the villages and the line stopped working .102 on 19th August S.D.O. and S.P. Jain met again to solve main troubles out of Basawan Singh activities. One hundred men of the union at Rohtas industries Dalmianagar were arrested without any proof of their involvement in the strike. On 25.8.42 situation at Dalmianagar improved as 870 (50%) workers come on duty and on 24/25 August number dropped to 770 due to labour strike at Jamshedpur. Passive connivance of management could not be ruled out. Cement factory however resumed work as one of the carne drivers had returned to duty and secand one had been newly appointed. There was sufficient direct evidences for the prosecution of Paramhans Narayan Misir of the supervisory staff, Basawan Singh of the Mazdoor Sangh and Narayan Murthy watch and ward of the mills. A wanted list of saboteurs was prepared by the authorities.103 District magistrate Shahabad visited Dehri-On-Sone on 7th October and met Mr. Mundane Lal. One of the directors.104 Mr.S.P. Jain was away from town. Cement production at that time was in full capacity producing 500 tons per day. Out of 3000 all except 300-400 labours had 102.Report of S.D.O.Sasaram on 3.10.42. 103.Ibid. 104.Arrah collector’s report no. 186/c on 4.10.42.
72 Quit India Movement in old Patna division returned and out of 120 skilled workmen 24 were still absent. There was no incident on 9.8.42 at Bhabhua but it became nerve centre of agitationists from 10.8.42 at Bhabhua there was hartal by school students on 10.8.42 shops were closed and a procession by Congress men of about two hundred strength was also taken out. Telephone wires were cut at dehri on the same date and hartal was observed on account of arrest of the leaders. There were hartals in the markets of Mohania and Kudra on 10.8.42. at Durgawti no student turned up in the school and Bazaar was completely on hartal. On 11.8.42 hindu student did not attend schools at Bhabhua and there was a meeting to chalk out further programme of activities in the future.105 The meeting was held in the temple of Kbaki Baba. At Sasaram on 11th August there was hartal in Bazaar where shops were closed and strike in H.E. schools was observed and cenema house was picketed. There was strike in dehri school also. On 12.8.42. Sasaram court was raided by mob. Telephone wires at Bhabua were cut, post offices were pulled down on Bhabua Mohania Road and Congress flag was hoisted. Mukhtars did not attend court. Fire was set on letter boxes wire were cut. on 12th August Ramgarh students went on strike, paraded on the road and shouted congress slogans. Workers of Hanumanhi mills at Kudra went on strike,106 Congress flags on police station and also on railway station building were hoisted. On the same day nakha railway station was looted and telephone wires were cut at koath in bikramganj police station. On 13th August civil court at Sasaram was raided by saboteurs for hoisting congress flag and burning of 105.Arrah collector’s report no. 186/c on 4.10.42 106.Ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 73 papers. The saboteurs also raided railway cabins and damaged telephone wire of D.L.R. it was led by a student mob of two hundred which swelled to one thousand . while raiding civil court, four hundred students arrived by Arrah- Sasaram light railway. The mob of students consisted of interior schools of the area. At bikramganj congress workers and students of local schools raided railway station and burnt papers and post–office records and personal belongings of staff were taken away. Raid on police station was also attempted at bikramganj and excise depot was raided and records of canal tehshil were burnt.107 Canal sectional office and sub-registry office was looted and locked up. Sanjhouli station was raided and records were burnt on 13.8.42. at Dehri police station was also attacked and bunglow of an Angol-indian Mr. Therpe was burnt. Car of principal co-operative officer was damaged.108 D.I.R. railway at Shankarpur and Dhri city on Sone station were damaged by mob . Khairadih railway station on Arrah-Sasaram light railway near Nokha was raided by the mob and records and furniture were burnt. Strike in Mohania school by a students was observed. Telephone wires were cut at two places and shops were closed and flags were hoisted and Bhabua road station. Attempt wasmade to raid Bhabhua road police station and passengers were prevented to purchase railway tickets at the station . on information, s.d.o. bhabua came and detained some agitators, flag was hoisted at kudra post office on 13.8.42 and telephone and post office were damaged. Hartal at Kargahar was observed. Military force arrived at Sasaram on 14.8.42 on firing, seven students were 107.Arrah collector’s report no. 186/c on 4.10.42 108.Ibid.
74 Quit India Movement in old Patna division killed and several arrested. Military fired twice in school and on grand trunk road near Sasaram railway station in the morning. In all seventeen persons were injuried and four died in hospital. Among the dead were Jai Ram Singh of vill- Kaupa Mahgu Ram of Sasaram, Jagar Nath Ram also of Sasaram Jagdish Prasad of Bachari. Two constables were assaulted and uniform of Chaukidar was burnt out at Surajpura in Bikramganj. Liquor shop at koath was raided and Durgadih canal bunglow was also raided by mob on 14.8.42 troops on their way to Rawalpindi were stopped on request at dehri and patrolled dehri and Dalmiamagar town. Six persons were arrested. On 14th August at Nokha, records and furnitue of post office and p.w.d. bunglow were burnt. Attempt to raid police station was also made. Shops were closed and commodities were not allowed to be sold to police men. Kargahar police station was raided and flag hoisted. Post office seal was destroyed , papers were burnt, liquor shop were raided and damaged and ganja shops were raided and destroyed. Liquor shop at Ram Dihra at Rohtas was raided and property looted, post office was looted and papers were burnt at Bhabua, one arrest was made and one constable on duty at the post office was assaulted and detained. Mob attempted to raid police station, court, treasury and jail. On a strong mob of about one thousand in a procession ten rounds were fired killing one and injuring five. Railway station at kudra was raided , glass panes were broken, records were taken away but prevented from being burnt, due to the timily action of the police. Students of H.E.school at Kudra commenced strike. Post office was looted and papers were burnt. Railway colony and compound were damaged at kudra on 14.8.42. there was no problem till – them on gaya, dehri-on-sone, asansole railway line.
Bibliography & Appendices 75 On 17.8.42 about 8 miles east of Arrah–Patna road short length was missing at east side of over bridge of sone. On 19/20 August military patrol party searched several villages near Koilwar and on refusal to open door force was applied to open door by fire. A shot gun was recovered in the search. G.T.line was still believed to be open but patrol train from U.P. encountered a large defiant mob near bhabua road station and other places. On 18th August situation continued to be serious at bhabua. Attack on central jail Buxar successfully was repulsed. Supply line was totally cut off and relief party expected was to come soon. Quit India Movement in the district of Shahabad was spreading speedly even in the interior parts of the district.109 Due to grave situation at Shahabad troops were sent out to buxer and peace was restored there. On the evening of 11th August one company of troop was detached for duty at arrah from which a new urgent call for assistance had been received. No offence was committed till arrival of another battalion till 11th or 12th . on the 11th of August Arrah railway station signal wire was attacked by a mob and police fired killing one and injuring one. On12 August attack on public offices including an unsuccessful attack on treasury were attempted. On 15th August on unsuccessful attempt to attack Buxar jail was repulsed. Air action against saboteurs including dispersal of crows engaged in dismantling a bridge was resorted to . on 19th August troops moving from Dumraon to Buxar fired on a mob engaged in damaging road at various points killing seventeen. One b.o.r. was wounded. On 24 August at Bhabhua railway station bogies were derailed. On 25th August public were organised to 109.Arrah collector’s report no. 186/c on 4.10.42.
76 Quit India Movement in old Patna division oppose rioters mob. On 26th August at Arrah wires were cut and fish plates were removed, the next day on 29th August troops while making arrest opened fire killing six. On 17th August sub inspector excise and his peon of Dumraon Raj was forced to open fire at behro in which six were injuried. Train between arrah Sasaram and Dehri Rohtas line were not withdrawn. Raghu Bansh Narayan Singh of village Pipra with leaflets and duplicating machine was arrested on 28.8.42.110 on 16th Sone bank was damaged and situation in Shahabad became grave. Practically all post offices, canals, excise, warehouses, shops , railway stations throughout the district had been looted and records burnt.111 Curfew was clamped in arrah on 16th August. On 18th August special military from ranchi via gaya sasaram Rafiganj began patrolling . students at Pusauli demonstrated before 18 sown train. With patrolis arrival from Gaya and Mugal Sarai fire was resorted killing 3, injuring on and sixteen persons captured. On 20th August Bhabhua road, Mohania and Karamnasa was patrolled by the police. On 21st August Arrah-Mugalsarai road was blocked. On 22nd August police fired on mob at Buxar, where seventeen persons were killed and one B.O.R. wounded. On 24th August Bhabua road line closed holding traffic. black watch force was demended at Sasaram. flag was hoisted at registry office of Buxar on 24/25th August. On 29th August situation remained unchanged. No major incident was reported. Loot attempt was made at arrah station in the night of 29 August. On 3rd September. police opened fire killing six at a Bhabhua mob. On 15th September. Troops were 110.H.Pol.(1) F.N. 3/30/42. 111.Ibid..
Bibliography & Appendices 77 attacked by mob twice and on killing nine there was firing from the troops and wounding six. One military man was also wounded. On 20th September. On Mogalsarai Bhabua road military fired one saboteur killing one. In Shahabad and part of the industrial areas the former terrorist Suraj Nath Choubey with his well trained socialist terrorist like Budhan Rai Verma, Paherrijee Yadu Bansh Singh, Badri Singh Bagi, (Buxar–Dumaon) Badri Singh (Ramgarh), Ram Ekbal Singh and Taluka Tiwari (Piro–Dehri) Tulsi Singh and a middle passed student Sant singh ( worked as messanger of the under ground terrorist). Theirs area of operation was not only Shahabad but they also had direct contact with the terrorist of Gaya which included their area for joint operation. Ram ekbal singh (Gandhi of Piro) was one of the absconders of Dehri bomb blast accident. Five instances of terrorist looting mail bags were reported from shagabad. On feb. 15th an explosive damaged the district soldiers board office. When the Dehri On Sone houses of a Dalmianagar operative was searched for absconders, five bombs and a large quantity of explosives and inplements for committing sabotage were recovered.112 Interrogation revealed a meeting place for terrorist group with wide spread ramifications. in sasaram local Brahmins attacked and fatally injured a Kurmi regarding whom they suspected that he had given information leading to the arrest of a c.s.p. abasconder. Threatening letters were common in this district.113 On 16 September. 1942 village losardhi in sahar police station of Shagabad was raided by the police on information that some Congress namely Jadu Nandan Ahir 112.H.Pol.(1) F.N. 3/19/44 113.Ibid.
78 Quit India Movement in old Patna division and Ram Pratipal Sukul had taken shelter there. Almost all houses were searched and the total men found in the village were not more than 30. A strong mob of about 200-300 coming towards village losardhi armed with spear, lathis and beating drums scuffled with police. Police fired on the mob and the following persons died or were injured.114 1.Basudeo Ahir s/o Jagarnath Ahir- shot dead, vill- Losodhi. 2.Sabhapati Ahir, s/o Soba Ahir-shot dead, vill- Losodhi. 3.Jagarnath Ahir, s/o Soba Ahir-killed assaulting soldiers. 4.Sital Ahir, s/o chaukidar of dhakni p.s. Sohar, shot 5.Meha deo Ahir, s/o Ram Devi Ahir–killed assaulting force 6.Sirvor Ahir s/o Deori Ahir- Sahar- shot while flying. 7.Raj Deo Bania village poswa- Sahar- shot during fire to dispurse mob. 8.Unknown injured. 9.Unknown injured. And six others Godhan, Jirakhan , Kalactor, Ram Bilas, Prahlad Ahir were injured in the police firing. Disorder in Jagdishpur police station went on mounting. On 11.8.42 two miles south of Jagdishpur 6, wide 4’deep, one miles south of Jagdishpur 5’ and wide 4’ deep breaches on road and fall of tree were seen . H.E. school Dalippur was the centre of agitation. It was highly disturded place. Babu Durga Shanker Singh was arrested at Dalippur in the after noon on 25/8/42. To control the fury fo mob of students and teachers of this school D.M.Arrah vide his 114.Bihar H.pol. (Spec.)f.no 24/42.
Bibliography & Appendices 79 letter dated 26/2/43 NO G.C. 17/42 wrote to rai Bahadur H.Ghatak, inspector of schools Patna division for not giving any compensation to this school. Secretary to the board of trustee of Jag Narain Vidyalaya Koath wrote to S.D.O. Sasaram on 10/11/43 in which information was given about the excess of military force which had dismantled the building of that school . Jamira, Narbirpur and Chandi villages of Arrah sabar police station were raided on 7.9.42 eighteen persons complained about the police excess to the collector of Arrah. On 21/9/42 on the report of Fahimuddin Ahmad, special magistrate posted on deputation with force in village baligaon police station, Jagdishpur, police excess was confirmed. ten villagers were allegedly charged with taking part in assaulting a policemen and santching away his Mackintosh and Pagri.115 In a scuffle with police they grabed the police rigle. Five persons were arrested and one Chottan Ram was boynetted and then shot dead mercilessly. Village Bhagwatipur was raided by police on 23/9/42 at 9.0 A.M. all but 2 old villagers, aged about 80 and 70 with a year old child left the village leaving their meal and burning kitchen.116 Thirty cattle head and two cart load of movable property were attached. On 26/1/43 mail bag from agiaon and Ekwari was looted. From the beginning of the Quit India Movement in August 1942 to 30th nov. 1942, following is the details of loss to person and property in sahabad district.117 1.Total nos. of arrest made 146 2.Total nos. in jail on 1st Dec.42 531 115.Bihar H.pol. (Spec.)f.no 24/42 116.Ibid. 117.Ibid.
80 Quit India Movement in old Patna division 3.No .of casualties suffered by govt. servants except police - nil. 4.No. of building other than thana destroyed 41 5.Total estimate loss to govt.property Rs 100000 6.No . of sentence of whipping 34 Troops operating in Shahabad district on September. 15th were attacked twice by mob and it opened fire killing nine and wounding six circulation of leaflets was still going on, some arrest of persons responsible for this wos mode. Reports of sporadie cases of telephone and telephone wires being cut were still receive from Shahabad. Police station at Barahra in the district which was evacuated on August 26th was burnt by mob on August 29 about five miles from Arrah. When certain arrests were being made incriminating articles seized troops had to open fine killing six . case of tempering with E.I. R.main line tract still took place in Shahabad district latest being on September. 9th at Arrah some telephone wire was cut on August 28th. Municipal office in Bhabua dist. Shahabad was set on fire on 13th feb. 43 by unknown persons believed to be Congress men. Goods rain was derailed at mile 364 grand chord line of eastern Indian railway on feb. 13/14 at 2214 hours. Four fleets carrying motot transports were destroyed and four Indians and other ranks of escort party were killed and injured. Except for stray wire cutting , assault on a constable by Congress men and oneday strike in cement and paper factory of rohtas industry at dehri political situation was reported to be quiet in the whole district by the end of February 1943. However, two cases of arson in primary school were reported from this district students were totd to be responsible for it even after February 1943.118 The Congress 118.Bihar H.pol. (spec.) 88/43.
Bibliography & Appendices 81 socialist party, an off shoot of the Indian national Congress established in 1934 by revolutionary Jai Prakash Narayan of Bihar and other leaders like Ashok Mehta, Achyut Patwardhan and other young congressmen felt dissatisfied with the leadership of Gandhiji as they thought that he was not laying sufficient emphasis on Economic policies. They also desired to inject strain of socialistic thought into Congress ideology to a larger degree.119 Many revolutionary educated young men joined the Cihar group of socialists. In the upheaval of 1942 the role played by jai prakash narayan, basawan singh, R.M. Lohia , Siaram Singh, Kapildeo Singh, Ramjuiwan Singh and many other was glorious and patriotic. Congress socialists were very active in north and central Bihar and particular attention was paid to propaganda among students. They were preparing themselves to play a prominent role in the Quit India Movement and were rapidly expanding the secret side of their organization on terrorist lines. A circular was issued by Basawan Singh to members of the socialist party containing instructions for the destruction of Government buildings and communications, opposition by direct action to the levy of collective fine etc.120 it was reported by the officials of Bihar police that the Congress party proposed to confine itself to mon violent activities leaving the violent role to the congress socialist party working in conjuction with the forward bloc and terrorists.121 There was continued attempts by the revolutionaries of Bihar and U.P to interfere in the vital rail and telegraph communications in the bottleneck areas of east U.P. and 119.H.pol. (1) 3/84/82. 120.Ibid. 121.Ibid.Report on Bihar.
82 Quit India Movement in old Patna division telegraph communications in the bottleneck areas of east U.P. and Bihar. that out break was to be a gesture of reprisal for the arrest of the two Congress socialist party leaders of Bihar Gulabi Sonar and Duraj Narayan Singh. Active sabotage and terrorism were to be suspended for the time being to permit reorganization and to securuing shelter for absconders. 122 On 23rd Dec. 1942 a document entitled the freedom struggle front, a typical production of the Congress socialists, attracted the notice of Sir R.Tottenham, additional secretary to the Government of India. It contained an ambitious plan which the underground organization wanted to put into operation. The government was convinced that it has “dangerous potentialities”, particularly in its stress on economic and agricultural grievances, and accordingly he warned the provincial Governments to be on their guard against any tendency towards development along the lines outlined in the plan,123 The freedom struggle front contained fresh directions for the intensification of the movement but it was not known whether this production was the work of ram Manohar Lohia or some other Congress socialist.124 According to Gagan Vihari Lal Mehta, who passed it on to the Government, the document was received by him at Bombay from Mrs. Asaf Ali who was reported to have said that it is the A.I.C.C.Fresh line of sction for the second phase of the Congress movement . The document contained it it the following “India is stirving as she has never before. Robbed of organisation and leadership denied of guidance and planning, the 122.H.pol. Report on Bihar (1) 3/84/82. 123.Ibid. 124.Ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 83 people of our country have started their revolutionary march to freedom.” There is temseness in the air every section, every man and women is deeply moved and feel impelled to action. Established authority is failing under its impact and is striving to beat down the upheaval with desperate repression. There are faint hearts which are appalled, muddled heads that search their condemnation, servile bodies that bend to crush this up surge of spirit. But the fact of this outburst is here. It is the profoundest fact of recent history. It added “we have a better organisation and greater experience of work among industrial labour. here also unrest must be brought to a head on immediate economic issue. The situation will be directly helped by the campaign in the villages which will dry up the sources of food supply and raw materials to the urban and industrial areas. Dearness allowances can never keep pace with prices, which will soar higher and higher with a progressive inflation of the currency. 125 price contol will show up as the senseless deception it is . strike should be easy to organize in this context. propaganda should be meanwhile pressed home on the capitalist front , appealing to this class on emotional patriotic grounds to view the strike programme with favour. The bourgeoisie must be exhorted to keep up political discontent at high pressures.”126 Like the socialist party, the forward bloc too was an off shoot of the parent body i.e. Indian National Congress shortly after. Subhas Chandra Bose also known as Netaji, resigned as president of the national Congress at the Caluctta A.I.C.C. meeting in April 1939, he started a new party which he named forward Bloc. This party was the 125.H.Pol.(1) 3/84/42 126.Ibid.
84 Quit India Movement in old Patna division fulfillment of his long cherished desire for organising a political bloc to implement his own programme for the achievement of India’s freedom. He organised his party to serve as a common platform for all the left elements inside the congress. The programme of forward bloc was believed to be to eliminate ganghian mysticism from Indian politics.127 its founder believed that it was a historical necessity. He urged that ineffect it was antithesis of action and advance against the thesis of Gandhian inaction or stagnation. Forward bloc came out in support of campaign in Bihar with its several directions during the movement period. Its programme contained of boycott of British goods and durning of British stalls, boycott of Britishers and pro britishers in india, demonstration, publishing of secret bulletines, setting up secret radio stations, destruction of police station , other programmes.128 Like Congress socialist and forward bloc there were several other political organisations in Bihar which were active during the movement even in the interior parts of this province. Kisan Sabha, Hindu Mahasabha, Muslim League , radicals, communists, Khaksars and even Santhals of south Bihar organised themselves for the progress of the movement. To some extent peasants and workers and even Zamindars had their own role during the period though some were in favour of the movement and some were with their masters.129 In a meeting of the provincial Kisan Sabha on the 20th and 21st July 1942 at Patna Jadunandan Sharma was elected president and Karjanand Sharma general secretary and Ali Asraf as secretary. This group, in a resolution 127.H.Pol.(1) 3/84/42 128.Ibid. 129.Ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 85 warned the all india congress committee against the dangerous consequences of mass movement. One of the meetings broke up in disorder owing to the opposition of the rival kisan group supported by some socialists and Congressmen. Communists in general preferred to condemn the congress working committee resolution of 8th August 1942. For the mement their activities were derected against profiteering. Muslim league in bihar was also not in favour of the movement.130 In a resolution on 21/10/42 the provincial Muslim league congratulated the Muslims of Bihar for not participating in the movement and appreciated the sense of discipline with which they had behaved as a class and as a community in keeping completely aloof from the revelious and terrorist movement launched by the Hindu Congress and supported by other congressite Hindus. Proceedings of leading Zamindars of Gaya district dated 26/8/42 received from D.M. Patna was discussed, and in another meeting in the chamber of S.D.O. Biharsharif B.D. Pandey on 9/9/42 at 3P.M. showed that they decided to take stern measures against ‘no rent cameign’ and the subversive movement. They also decided to check this movement forcefully in their jurisdictions with their managers, tehsildars , zeth raiyats and patwaris and warned them severely that no incidious criminal movement will be tolerated in their Zamindaris. The radical democratic party played an important role for increase in wages and the establishment of a Mazdoor Raj.131 ❖ 130.Bihar H.pol.(spec.) F.no . 79/42. 131.Ibid. F. no 75/42
86 Quit India Movement in old Patna division Chapter Three Role of political parties and pressure groups in the movement Political parties and pressure groups played an important role during the course of the movement in Bihar. Among The political parties Congress was the main political organisation but other organisations of students, Congress socialist party, Hindu Mahasabha, Muslim league, Khaksars, R.S.S. communists, radical party, Kisan Sabha, and even non political elements like peasants, workers cratmen and peddlers played very important roles during and in the movement. Foreign students association, press, local and national, also played commendable role during the period of the movement. even terrorists and dacoits participated in the movement. As reported by the Government of Bihar, major portion of crowds consisted of students. A large section of villagers and goondas also took part. Police believed the Muslims to be loyal so far as they kept aloof. But mob meetings met with no opposition from public.132 The fact was that several Muslim leaders in Bihar especially in patna, Gaya and Shahabad were with the movement. We have also several examples of police officials and servicemen who were sympathetic towards this agitation. Even parisoners showed their sense of nationalism by offering Dharna and resorting to rowdyism in several jails. Rural prisoners in Chapra, Gaya and Patna went on hunger strike.133 Revolt of prisoners in Buxar was well known. 132.Bihar H.pol.(spec.) F.no . 14/42 133.Ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 87 Escape from Hazaribagh jail was a sensetionsl example during the movement period in which Jai Prakash Narayan with his colleagues escaped from the jail and started underground movement in Bihar. thus even prisioners, political or non-political were definitely a pressure group during the movement. though rioting in jails were instigated by political prisoners yet it was a part of general lawlessness.134 In a wide sense of the term the classes that took a prominent part in the movement were workers and organisers of the congress, the congress socialist party, the forward bloc, the students natives and foreigners, the goonda elements in the towns, the teachers of rural schools and the criminal and potentially criminal classes that lived in the mofussil. 135 but it was not limited to those. The mobs were swelled not only by many who joined for loot, but also by many of the rural population who were carried away by slogans and propaganda which aroused a mass feeling against the tyrannical rule of the british Government in Bihar. Students were very much prominent especially in the early stages and were much to the foree in organising and carrying out sabotages. Mohamadans in the lump held aloof from the disturbances, though this was not by any means universal. Educated Muslims generally did not participate and the influence of the Muslim league, problbly governed their attitude. But in some area of Patna, Gaya, Shahabad and in some other parts of the state the lower classes of Mohamadans certainly did participate and in Patna Mohamadan goondas were prominent in several places. The more sober elements in the Hindu population did not take any part in the movement and this way they were influenced by their disapproval of wanton destruction and violent 134.Home political F.no . 3/34/42. 135.Ibid.
88 Quit India Movement in old Patna division methods reinforced by the attitude taken by the Hindu Mahasabha and the Kisan Sabha.136 Generally speaking people who had a stake in the country disapproved the activities and the fury of the mob, though reports indicated that a number of traders were involved in it. There is no doubt that the movement was so carefully planned by congress organisation that the whole credit goes to it. Really it was an open movement by congress after the arrest of congress leaders. Bihar Pradesh congress declaration of the programme of 9th August 1942 gave birth to a new spirit of resistence and put fresh life into Indian struggle for independence. The unprovoked imprisonment of Rajendra Prasad, Srikrishna Sinha, Jagjiwan Ram. Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Jagat Narayan Lal and other leaders was a challenge and served as a signal for the release of pent up energies to fight the battle of freedom. During the year people gave a brave and determined fight to the british administration in bihar which led a most cruel and ruthless repression carried on by the british armed atrength. The violence of the british administration, however, failed to crush the spirit of resistence. The relentless fight, therefore continued. Bihar Pradesh congress committee declared “within a few weeks, we shall complete the first year of our struggle. Let us begin the second year of our revolution with a determination to infuse fresh life into the struggle and carry on the fight with redoubtable vigour”.137 The congress had laid stress on the following points to presswise the Government : people should keep the Congress flag flying in the air. They should not bother about 136.Home political F.no . 3/34/42. 137.Bihar Pradesh congress bulletine of August 9, 1942.
Bibliography & Appendices 89 or be deterred by imposition of fines, attachment and acquisition of property , arrests etc, and should stick to their duty. The rule of masses had to be established and all signs of Government existence would have to be removed from villages. It should be made difficult for any villager who does not cooperate while in any village, he should be socially boycotted . efforts should be made to win over the police, thanas should be remdered usmless for Government. If any policeman goes against the Congress he should be socially boycotted and treated harshly which should be last step. Efforts should be made to secure the weapons in the possession of the police. Recruitment from villages should be stopped. No–rent compaign should be carried on vigorously. The collective fines should not be paid. Reward by Government should not be accepted. Shops should be closed occasionally. Colleges and schools should not be allowed to function. Railway should be tampered with in such a way that life of people are not lost and people should be warned that there is danger to their life if they travel by train after 15th oct.1942. Not only this, the message of Gandhiji accelerated the movement in full swing. The message was: that every Indian should from this day onwards would regard himself as an independent man and his country as independent country. That every Indian should think that he is free to do anything in a non-violent manner to free his country from the fetters of bondage. That they should paralyse the British Government in India. That satyagrahis should sacrifice their life in this struggle and India would gain freedom only if satyagrahis are prepared to invite and face death. Do or die:either you must die in this struggle or attain independence for the country. His message concluded with awake, arise and wait no more.
90 Quit India Movement in old Patna division The Congress socialist party which played a dominant role in the movement and guerrilla attack, was an off shoot of the Congress. In Bihar it was led by Sri Jai Prakash Narayan and assisted by veteran socialists like Suraj Narayan Singh, Ram Mandan Mishra, Gulabi Sonar, Siaram Singh, Basawan Singh and Suraj Nath Choubey. The Congress liberals adopted non-violentmeans to get their aim fulfilled where as the congress socialist adopted the violent means. The combined efforts of the revolutionaries of Bihar and U.P. to interference in the vital rail and telegraph communication in the bottleneck areas of east U.P. and Bihar further accelerated the progress of the movement. The U.P. Government was also informed that active sabotage and terrorism were to be suspended for the time being to permit. The organisation and to securing shelter for absconders and their establishment in industrial and other institutions and this proved to correct both by the arrest of Bihar men in benaras and by the statements secured from some of them. Arrests of leaders disorganiSed those plans but even limited campaign since waged by students and hooligans had shown what might have happened if Congress socialists had been given week or two to perfect its plans. On the happenings in August Gandhiji had clearly said that inspite of all that had been said to this country, he claimed that the congress policy still remained unequivocally non-violent. The wholesale arrest of the Congress leaders seemed to have made the people wild which ran to the point of losing self control. Gandhiji felt that the Government, not the Congress, was responsible. The only right course for the Government seemed to be to release the Congress leaders, withdraw all repressive measures and explore ways and means of conciliation. Surely the government had ample resources to deal with any
Bibliography & Appendices 91 overt act of violence. Repression could only breed discontent and bitterness. One result of military and police pressure on the 1942 rebels was to drive some of their organisations underground. In north and central bihar a number of terrorist groups were revived or came into being. The members consisted of Congress socialist, forward bloc and criminal elements. In Shahabad and part of the industrial areas, the former terrorist Suraj Nath Choubey directed operations138. The marked absence of overt acts on the part of the southern range of bihar boarding on Bengal was attributable to the firm measures adopted by both governments to ensure against hindrance of the war efforts in these vital areas. It was also due to the continued detention of the important Bengal revolutionaries.139 It would be wrong to imagine that all terrorist acts in 1942-43 had a political background. There were in fact many uneasy alliances between political and professional criminals and only a small portion of the loot found its way into party coffers.140 There seemed little doubt that terror tactics were deliberately employed by the professional gangsters and the solitary criminal who had not the remotest political contacts. But it was the political glamour that attracted to the terrorist ranks so many disgruntled or unemployed youths . after the declaration of Quit India Movement “the search light” commented on 16th july 1942 that Mahatma Gandhi explained Congress demand as an open rebellion.141 Many Government officials reported that students were been playing dominant role in the movement. 138.H.Pol (1) F.N. 3/19/42 139.Ibid. 140.Ibid. 141.Ibid.
92 Quit India Movement in old Patna division Crude bomb work was mostly done by students who got the chemicals from laboratories. In Bihar, from the very start, students played a dominant role in the movement and their sacrifice on 11th August near secretarist and elsewhere later on connot be for gotten. Students were the main base of the movement. Those who sacrificed their lives first were the school going students. They started the movement with strikes, picketing and sabotages, walkout from their institutions and campaign in the interior for no tax no-revenue. As reported by D.M.Patna, Muslim students had nothing to do with this subversive and coercive movement.142 Muslim students did not attend their colleges and schools from 9/8/1942. But it was not because of remote sympathy towards the movement but because they were afraid of clashes and other untoward incidents and they tried to avoid these. Until 9th August no Muslim shop keeper observed hartal, as a result of panicky and wild rumours spreading in the city by mischief mongers and on Tuesday evening after secretariat firing they became terror stricken and closed their secretariat firing they became terror–stricken and closed their shops out of fear in self protection. On the other hand a resolution was passed on the 21/10/1942 by the working committee of provincial Muslim League congratulating the Muslims of Bihar and appreciating their sense of discipline with which they behaved as a class and as a community in keeping completely aloof from the revelion and terrorist movement launched by the hindu congress and supported by other congressite Hindus, which had started deliberately without consulting the all India muslim league in order to accede to their demand. The league also said that it was certainly a 142.Bihar H.Pol.(spec.) F.N.75/42
Bibliography & Appendices 93 movement not only against the British Government but also against other minorities particularly the Indian Muslims and against their demand of Pakistan.143 The resolution of Muslim league was condemned by Babu Kaderan Singh, vice president district board Patna. An appeal signed by 44 prominent people on 16/8/1942 as reported by the D.M. Patna said that the steps taken by the mass movement sponsored by congress had shaken every patriotic Indian interested in the speedy realisation of Swaraj. The vandalism arson, loot and murder let loose in the country undermined order and the lives of peaceful citizens had been made entirely insecure. The appeal also said “we therefore, stand solidly behind the Government in every measure that may be taken to restore internal order and to strengthen india’s defence against aggression.” An appeal was made by them to every sons and daughters of India to stop this. The signatures among others were Rai Bahadur Lekh Narain Singh, Bucha Prasad Singh, Khan Bahadur Nawab, and Syed Shahnawaj Hussain. Efforts to recruits Muslim national guards was said to be meeting with very little response in urban areas, but progress was regarded as satisfactory in the mufasil areas. Muslim league leaders regarded the threatened mass movement of the Congress as an attempt to seize power in disregard of the claims of other parties and were determined to oppose it. The only activity of the league during the last fortnight of the October 1942 which came to notice was to send representation to Government urging the release of Muslims convicted of lawlessness during the recent disturbances and the exemption of the Muslim community from collective fines. The district magistrate of Gaya 143. Bihar H.Pol.(spec.) F.N.75/42
94 Quit India Movement in old Patna division remarked that the attitude of the league so far has been one of strict neutrality but not very helpful.144 In a meeting held at patna, the working committee of the Muslim league resolved on 21st oct. (1) recommendation to the council of the league the withdrawal of the ban on joining war committee. (2) congratulating bihar muslims on keeping aloof from the rebellion and terrorist movement launched by Hindu Congress. (3) endorsing the all india muslim league working committee Bombay resolution and (4) deploring the arrest of certain muslims for participating in the movement. On 23rd oct.1942 the Muslims of Bihar thought that the British Government desired settlememt with the congress alone or not at all. The working committee supported the rajgopalachari’s scheme and urged an invitation to Mr. Jinnah to form a national Government. It also demanded from the Government release of all Muslims arrested in connection with the Congress disturbance in view of admission that muslim as a bady kept aloof from the movement So-dae-Aam on the 8th nov. criticised the Government steps on banning political activities and said “the muslims apprehend that by such actions the local officers intended to prove the claim that the congress represents all.”145 Muslim minorities accused the league for its policy of wait and see.146 As for its demand for an immediate acceptance of Pakistan they pointed out that its resolution 144.Political report of Government of Bihar of oct 1942 dt. 23rd October 1942. 145.Ibid. 146.H.Pol. (1) F.NO. 3/16/42.
Bibliography & Appendices 95 did not specify any definite step which it would take if these demands were not concede; it failed to respond to the changed situation. The attitude of the league required revision and it must either support the government in their largest struggle against the Congress, of if it is not prepared to co-operate with the Government, it should join hands with the Congress. Syed Mahmmad Hussain, secretary of the Muslim league party in council of state and the member of the council of all india muslim league said the decision reached by the league had failed to give any lead to the enthusiast at a juncture when it was so urgently needed and made a strong plea for the starting negotiations with the Congress to end the dead lock without waiting for a response to their Pakistan demand from the British Government.147 This view was supported by several office bearers of the Muslim league, the large section of the muslim league press unged to consider Gandhi, Nehru and Abul Kalam Azad’s offer of transfer of power to them and to form a Government and there by test congress sincerity as well.148 The league refused to consider the congress offer as Jinnah did not dare take over a minority government which would have the same responsibilities, as the British and receive all the brick bats now directed at them. Mr. Jinnah disbelieved the sincerity of kites that wee flown by moulana Azad, Nehru and Gandhiji. The Indian problem according to him, could be finally solved only when the whole people embraced Islam and Muslim rule was established in India. All other solutions were but temporary, make–shift– arrangements.149 147.H.Pol. (1) F.NO. 3/16/42. 148.Ibid. 149.Ibid.
96 Quit India Movement in old Patna division In view of the assurance given by the Congress of safe and proper place for the Muslims in the Indian polity, it was politically suicidal for the league to persist in its uncompromising attitude. Had Mr. Jinnah shown any willingness to negotiate with the Congress, the clash between the Government and the Congress could have been avoided and the way would have been cleared for a joint programme of war effort and united resistence to the british.150 The Muslims were none to happy with Mr. Churchill’s speech in the house of commons on sept. 1942, as it contained no direct encouragement to the Muslims and even descended to personal abuse of Mr.Churchill and Mr. Amery.151 Churchill’s statement was defedctive, inadequate, discouragiong and even provocative according to the Muslim opinion which felt that the British had lost all sense of statesmanship. Mr.Churchills speech neither attached any importance to the Muslim league nor contained support for its basic demand. It did not give any encouragement to those who had disassociated themselves from the destructive activities of the Congress. Churchill’s short sightedness, in Mulsim opinion was creating dangerous situation in the country and if nothing was done to arrest the worsening of the situation, the position in India might be similar to what it was in Burma when the Japanese conquered it. The attitude of the muslim league as a whole was that “if the British Government value Congress cooperation let them get along with them”. But the fundamental point is that muslim league is not to be stampede, into forming a provisional Government under the stress of war and the emergency and the provisional 150.H.Pol. (1) F.NO. 3/10/42. 151.Ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 97 Government must be of a composite character in comnposition and should not prejudge and prejudice the muslim demand of Pakistan. If such a provisional Government is formed there is no limit to the extent of degree of power that could be transferred subject to the fundamental provision that all parties must agree and guarantee the right of the muslims of self–determination and must pledge themselves to abide by the verdict of a plebiscite for carrying out the partition of India.152 The ban on participation of Muslim league in the committee meetings and joining the national war front, was now withdrawn. At a meeting held on nov. 29th at Patna it was decided by the working committee of the Muslim league and council that Government should be moved to exempt muslims from the joint responsibility of guardomg communications. It was also decided to await the lead of all India Muslim league on the question of Sir Mirza Ismail’s remarks on Indian national unity in the course of his convocation address in Patna. But there were several Muslim and momin leaders in Bihar who were openly supporting the Congress movement.153 Riasat karim and Abdul Qayum Ansari led the movement in at Dehri and at several places in Shahabad. Shah Mahamad Umair at Gaya was arrested on 4/9/1942. The most prominent nationalist Muslims leader was prof. Abdul Bari. Some Muslim leaders were also killed and some arrested in Bihar during the Congress meeting at Tarapur on 18/19 July 1942. The Congress meeting at Tarapur was followed by a meeting of the Hindu Mahasabha which condemned the Congress working committee 152.H.Pol. (1) F.NO. 3/10/42. 153.Bihar F.NO. 42/42.
98 Quit India Movement in old Patna division resolution and its anti Zamindar attitude displayed in the meeting.154 Provincial Hindu Mahasabha leaders were apprehensive that the working committee of the all India Hindu Mahasabha which met at Delhi on 3rd and 4th oct. 1942 would play into the hands of the Congress. They were not infavour of supporting the Congress. In other words they did not wish to back what appeared to them a losing horse. On nov. 30, 1942 a meeting of the Hindu Mahasabha was held at Bhagalpur and Mr. Ganganand Singh was elected president. This election caused a dissension among the Hindu Sabha leaders. The matter was referred to Mr. Savarkar to decide the question of election. In the Bhagalpur meeting Ganga Nand Singh. The chief speaker, contrasted the conditions of the Hindu Sabha with that of the Muslim league, who had Government backing whereas the hindu sabha had none. He supported Sarvarkar’s policy of militarization of th Hindus.155 In bihar the position of Mahasabha workers during the movement was guided by the resolution of sept. 1942 in which Dr. S.P. Mukherjee, the working president of the Mahasabha stated that after three years of responsive co- operation and helping the war efforts, the Mahasabha had come to the same conclusion as the all India Congress committee that the British Government must immediately declare india’s independent status and agree to the formation of a national Government in the interest of winning the war. For this purpose its slogan was “settle with India”. But Mahasabha feared that the Congress might prejudice Hindu interests in forming a composite Government and in setting the principle of future 154.Bihar F.NO. 42/42. 155.Ibid.
Bibliography & Appendices 99 constitution. Accordingly it considered essential that during the period of war no controversial issue should be raised so that all energies may be concentrated for the purpose of winning the war. It therefore, suggested that after the war, an Indian national Government should take steps to framing a permanent constitution on a democratic and national basis when it would be open to parties and groups to raise any question that may consider essential in their own interest or in the interest of the country. All sections of people welcomed this proposal to take the initiative in solving the dead lock excepting the muslim league. The Muslim league criticised the Hindu Mahasabha as a Congress ‘smoke screen’ and accused it for playing the role of reserve army.156 Churchill the british Prime Minister turned down the request of Hindu Mahasabha and said that there was nothing serious about the Indian situation to cause them worry, but it caused deep resentment throughout India. The Hindu Mahasabha special conciliation committee expressed its opinion, the statement of Mr. Churchill betrays lamentable lack of statesmanship and will cause deep resentment throughout India. The British government has obviously failed to appreciate the grave realities of the situation. There are people who disagree with some of the methods adopted by the congress from time to time , but it would be a mistake to suppose that it is a mere political caucus based on the support of certain manufacturing and business interests. Let it not be forgotten that the urge for Indian freedom and self respect has been the result of half a century of ceaseless and self sacrificing efforts of patriotic Indians, many of whom stood under the banner of the Indian national Congress. The demand for Indian freedom and for 156.H.Pol.(1) F.NO.3/10/42.
100 Quit India Movement in old Patna division immediate transfer of power to an intrim national Government has not been made by the Congress alone but by all the important political parties in the country.157 Bihar Government regarded R.S.S. as a harbourage of considerable potential danger. The Sangh was described as the Hindu answer to the Khaksars, it was Anti-British, it had shown signs of pro. Japanese bias and in its organisation and behavior fascist tendencies were obvious.158 They had no faith in democracy and believed that freedom could only be won by violence. Apart from repeated disregard of the ban on drill and uniforms imposed in 1940, Government did not find anything particularly objectionable about the Sangh’s activities. It, propounded theory was one ‘undivided India’ under the Hindu rule of the Mahasabha. They therefore denounced Pakistan.159 A meeting of the provincial Kisan Sabha was held at Patna on the 20th and 21st July 1942 at which Jadu Nandan Sharma was elected president and Karjanand Sharma general secretary with Ali Asraf, the released communist defenue as joint secretary. Among the resolutions passed was one warning the all India Congress committee. The meeting broke up in disorder owing to the opposition of the rival Kisan group supported by some socialist and Congress men. In fact Kishan Sabha’s main aim was to raise the political consciousness of the peasants and Kisans of Bihar against the Zamindars and the Governmet.160 They were in favour of Bakasht land right to the peasants. Really it was an agrarian movement in Bihar under leadership of Kishan Sabha during the movement. It 157.H.Pol.(1) F.NO.3/10/42. 158.Ibid. 28/8/42 159.Ibid. 160.Bihar F.No. 79/42
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