Shaheed Allah Bux Soomro

Allah Bux Soomro booklet

Allah Bux Soomro belongs to local Jat (Khashtri) clan, the Soomros ruled Sindh more than three hundred years (1020 -1350).  Mr. Soomro was born in 1900 in Shikarpur town, once a commercial city of the Sindh. In 1923, he begins his political career and elected a member of the District Local Board Sukkur and in 1928, elected its president. In 1926 he was elected member of the Bombay Legislative Council and continuously represented Sindh for nine years up to the separation of the Sindh from Bombay Presidency. He played vital rile in separation movement. In 1934, Mr. Soomro, Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto and Mr. G.M. Sayed organized first political grouping of the Sindh – Sindh Peoples Party — In 1936, Mr. G. M. Sayed, Sir Abdullah Haroon, Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto and Mr. Allah Bux Soomro organised a non-communal political party — Sindh United Party – He contested first provincial election and won the seat, also elected parliamentary leader of the party. Sindh United party was a single majority party of the House, but the Governor of the Sindh, Sir Lancelot Graham, set an undemocratic precedent and called Sir Ghulam Hussain to form the Government even though Hussain’s Muslim Political party had only three seats in the House of sixty. Mr. Allah Bux Soomro became opposition leader. Governor’s cosmetic arrangements failed and opposition toppled the ministry. In March 1938, Allah Bux Soomro became the first democratically elected Premier of the Sindh. As a reformer and democrat he changed the autocratic policies of the British. He abolished the old system of Darbars, Chair System and selection of the members of the local bodies. He also introduced reforms in the agriculture sector. Meanwhile conservative minded Hindu and Muslim leadership raised communal issue of the Masjid Manzilgah. As a liberal person he did not surrender to them, as a result, he lost his government. In March 1940, he organized an All-India based non-communal party – Azad Muslim Conference — and elected its president. His visionary presidential address is a historical document and a light for future. In March 1941, again he became the premier of the Sindh. In first attempt, he presented a bill against feudal system and it was passed by the Assembly. The failure of the talks between the Congress and the British on forming of ‘Home Rule’ government changed the political scenario of the subcontinent and the Congress launched the ‘Quit India Movement’. The ruthless actions of the British compelled him to protest on it. On 26 September 1942 he wrote a letter to British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and in protest renounces his titles O.B.E. and Khan Bahadur. The British administration’s reaction was so furious and on 10 October 1942, the Governor of the Sindh, Sir Hugh Dow dismissed him. Allah Bux Soomro declared it undemocratic and unconstitutional act. After his dismissal he continued his anti imperialist political role. His existence felt by vested interest forces threat to their future plan and he was assassinated on 14 May 1943.  His murder unleashed the dark forces of communalism upon the land and mankind is continuously suffering miserably.

IN MEMORY

I

ALLAH Bux! Rest in peace, sweet star!

O martyr in the holiest ward

You lived and died without a scar;

Thy Motherland is filled with mirth.

II

You had a mightier role to play,

Your enemies were in great dismay,

But Freedom’s foes will rue the day.

For Freedom can’t forget this dearth.

III

We cannot shelve the Freedom’s strife,

The cause for which you laid your life,

Even the murderer and his knife,

Pronounce your everlasting worth.

IV

No enemies can bedim your name,

No cruel times may rob your fame,

Your soul will shine as starry flame,

To men who yet will take their birth,

V

Your cause will glow on every hill,

Your soul will flow through every rill,

Through every mind through every mill,

Through every home, through every hearth.

VI

Your Motherland shall raise to thee,

In the golden times yet to be,

A statue of liberty

The finest on the freeman’s earth.

Bombay Legislative Council

As a representative of the Sindh in Bombay Legislative Council, He stood firm on the issues of Bombay Presidency and his homeland Sindh. 

Sindh’s economy depends on agriculture and for cultivation water is very necessary. He always forced government to make better irrigation system of the province and for proper management of the water to build a barrage.

In March 1928, he talked about Begari Wah, Karias and tale.

On 17 March 1931, he spoke about improving the system of irrigation for the common benefit of the people.

On 4 October 1932, He talked about Karias and Kalari canal and further he said:

‘Water is liquid money’ and we must handle this liquid money properly. To throw away a cusec of is to throw away the taxes.

His efforts took real course and Government announced a Barrage on Indus River near Sukkur Town. Allah Bux Soomro was the member of this project.

Sukkur Barrage

The Sukkur barrage project is sign-port of development – akin to being a back bone in the history of Sindh. This dynamic irrigation project, built along a modern and scientific agricultural system, provides a golden opportunity to the people of Sindh to advance their economic goals and improve their lifestyle. Tens of thousands of acres of land came under cultivation and Sindh Began to pride itself as a modern agricultural society.

Sacrifice and simplicity

In 1942, flood threatened the city of Shikarpur, as a premier he ordered to divert flow of water to his agriculture lands. His bold act saved the city from devastation.

He usually wore Khaddar and never hoists official flag on his car. He mostly traveled without any escort.

  World Politics

 Referring to the world situation, Khan Bahadur Allah Bux described the present world war as the birth pangs of a New World Order. He said all right-thinking men had condemned the aggressor to human freedom and civilisation. Where ultimately all this will lead none can clearly foresee, but one thing is certain beyond a shadow of doubt that, unless the brutal and ruthless methods of the aggressor are checked and also the ambitious maps of all the empires are rolled up, whether they are based on democratic or totalitarian ideologies, the peace and prosperity for which the vast bulk of mankind has been pining for will not come into sight.

      Indian annual Register P. 323 Volume I

           The Loose Federation of Asian Subcontinent

“In October 1942 the president announced that the Azad Muslims had produced a constitutional plan “Envisaging linguistic provinces with the right of self-determination to the point of secession but in the context of Indian freedom. (Allah Bux Soomro at a press conference, New Delhi 7 October 1942 as reported in Tribune Lahore, 10 October 1942).

Further on W.C. narrated on the same page that their emphasis was still on the positive programme of mobilization of the people behind the nationalist demand. They called for a Congress-League agreement for a nationalist independent government.”

Modern Islam in India  P. 280  W.C

Rational Methodology

G.M. Sayed you live in a dream world about the 1940 resolution that is why you are ignorant of the practicalities of politics . In practical politics, there is a little room for promises, resolutions and principals. Read history and you will find that religious edicts, individual and group interests and local situations, requirements and considerations.

Struggle for New Sindh. G.M. Sayed

Anti Communalism

Allah Bux Soomro’s liberal government worked for the betterment of the masses above than caste and creed, His positive role took the province on the path of the progress and produce unity and harmony among the various communities. The opposition played an easy and dangerous card of communalism and they raised the issue of restoration of Masjid Manzilgah and started agitation to destabilize the government of Soomro. Mr. Soomro felt that the seeds of sectarianism are very dangerous and miserable for Sufi soil of the Sindh. He bravely faced the issue and did not surrender and bargain with them, even he lost his premiership.

 Jones Allan Keith’s scholarly opinion on the issue of Masjid Manzilgah..

(Muslim Politics and the growth of the Muslim League in Sindh –1935-41)

.

‘So in searching for a way to defeat Allah Bux’s ministry, the Sindh Leaguers decided to exploit the communally-explosive Manzilgah mosque issue, which they hoped, would expose the premier’s strong reliance on Hindu backing and marshal brand Muslim support pressure and topple the Allah Bux ministry.’

The Sindh leaguers achieved their primary goal of bringing Allah Bux down but a great cost to both the League’s image and Sindh’s communal peace – results that raised serious question about the leaguers ability to govern should they now come to power.’

Mr. Soomro presented his point of view on the floor of Assembly – 5 Feb 1940.

“In this connection I would remind this House that the matter is not capable of easy solution. On the one hand, there are people who honestly believe that one of the Manzilgah buildings was a mosque and therefore it should be restored to the Muslims out of respect for their religious feelings by the people’s own government. On the other hand also there is a section who, honestly hold that none of the Manzilgah buildings was ever a mosque. Yet another section believe that even if it was a mosque its restoration to Muslims likely to be a source of constant friction between the two major communities, on account of the Manzilgah buildings being in the proximity of the Sadhbela and worshipped carried on there. And yet another section, with or without religious conviction wished to exploit the situation for political ends. On the other hand, there was equally a group of non-Muslims who for the very political reasons resisted the restoration of the Manzilgah buildings to the Muslims.   

………….

Allah Bux Soomro felt that to coup with sectarianism and fundamentalist elements a grouping of liberal political workers are very necessary. He discussed with his like-minded friends and organised a non-communal organizations of Muslims – Azad Muslim Conference —

The organization’s first meeting held in Delhi in April 1940.

In his presidential address Mr. Soomro condemned the aggressive communalism.

“Aggressive communalism was fatal to the growth of that feeling to brotherliness, good neighbourliness and common nationality which were essential, not merely for thee acceleration of a common national effort but also for the maintenance of an atmosphere of peace, progress and stability in the country. A fair adjustment of the general needs of the country and the various communities and the various communities should be undertaken in a spirit of generosity and tolerance and of right brotherly affection for one another. Whatever our faiths, we must live together in our country in an atmosphere of perfect amity and our relations should be the relations of several brothers of a joint family, the various members of which are free to profess the faith they like without any let or hindrance and all of whom enjoy equal benefits of their joint property.”

      The Governor of Sindh, Sir Lancelot Graham’s comments on the conference. (A letter from governor to Viceroy, Lord Linlithgow.}

“K.B. Allah Bux came extremely pleased with himself from Delhi and his stock has gone up in Sindh where he is now regarded as an All-India leader.”

                                                                            Anti imperialist role

Mr. G. M. Sayed have mentioned in his book Struggle for New Sindh that interference in the matters of ministry was usual act of the Governors. The governor of Sindh Sir Hugh Dow was always in a mode to interfere in the matters of ministry. His big and worst act was the arrest of the Sayed Sibghatullah Shah Pir Pagaro.

Former bureaucrat and egotistical Sir Hugh Dow by passed the democratic norms and even did not bother to discuss Hur affairs and the arrest of Sayed

Sibghatullah Shah Pir Pagaro with the elected premier of the province; Allah Bux Soomro, he felt Allah Bux Soomro’s visit of Bombay a golden chance and in the absence of Mr. Soomro in haste he issued the orders of the arrest of Pir Pagaro. The reaction of Hur followers of the Pir was more than what administration was expecting and due to autocrat act of Sir Hugh Dow a peaceful province came in the flames of unrest.

As a chief executive of the province Allah Bux Soomro’s reaction was natural, and he said ‘enough is enough’. On 19^th December 1941 on the floor of the Assembly he condemned the special powers of the Governors.

“An important statement concerning the constitutional implications of the exercise of special powers by the governor in the day-to-day administration of government was made by the premier, Khan Bahadur Allah Bux to day.

After recalling the controversy that preceded the acceptance of ministry by the Congress and the viceroy’s assurance with the full approval of the British Government in regard to the exercise of the special powers was that, as far as possible, he did not desire whatsoever to interfere with the administration of the province. But the present governor interpreted the exercise of these powers in a different way.

“He feels that in all matters where under the Act he has to exercise individual judgment and in all matters wherein he has special responsibility he must exercise his own judgment, as also in all matters where he may hold an opinion different from that of ministers whether the matter be so important and the ministers’ advice so perverse that his being guided by the ministers’ advice would be in consisted with the exercise of his special responsibility or whether it is a mere matter of difference of opinion regarding certain day-to-day administration. His Excellency does not seem to appreciate that even in matters wherein His Excellency has special responsibility; the primary responsibility is that of the ministers.

 “The premier added that the Governor had even gone so far as to say that in the provinces where the Governors abstained from the exercising those powers, it had been done not in accordance either with the instructions or the policy of the British Government as such. If the present policy of the Governor was approved by the viceroy and the British cabinet, then it raised a constitutional issue. The House would agree with him that so far as the ministers were concerned, they were responsible to the legislature and they owed no responsibility to anyone else and so far as the Governor was concerned, his position was that he owed responsibility to the Secretary of State.”             

                                                …………………

The failure of the talks between the Congress and the British on forming of ‘Home Rule’ government changed the political scenario of the subcontinent and the Congress launched the ‘Quit India Movement’. The ruthless actions of the British compelled him to protest on it.

Jagat S. Bright scholarly made comments on the patriotic role of Mr. Allah Bux Soomro.        

               ‘Allah Bux was explosively agitated on September 11, 1942. The bluntest speech of Mr. Winston Churchill was flashed to India. The whole country was boiling with indignation the Prime Minister of England declared that the Japanese Fifth Column was aiding the Indian National Congress. And that the Congress conspiracy was breaking down. Further he poured out his bitterest feeling. These had choked his mind since the Congress launched on “Quit India Movement” programme and adopted “Do or die” policy in August last. Churchill delivered a set speech punctuated by cherry full-stops. Here is an extract: “The Indian Congress party does not represent all India.’ (Cheers). It does not represent the majority of people of India. (Cheers). It does not even represent the Hindu masses. (Cheers). It is a political organization built around a party machine and sustained by certain manufacturing and financial interests. (Cheers and laughing).” Mr. Churchill further declared: “Many martial races, divided by unbridgeable gulfs from Hindu Congress, will never consent to be ruled by it.” It was also stated that a large number of British, Australian and American troops in India were ready to tackle any Congress move. Among the critics in parliament was Mr. Shinwell. He asked if the British reinforcements sent to India were to repel the Japanese or to deal with civil disobedience. “Is this a part of the second front?” he enquired: No answer was given. But the question echoed across the Atlantic. And Washington took immediate action. Orders were issued to American troops in India. They should not burn their fingers in the civil oven.

               The speech of Mr. Churchill received a hot welcome in India. The whole nation glowed with anger. Passions ran high. Martial Communities issued counter statement. Sikhs stood up for patriotism. Even Muslim Leaguers spoke out in agony. The speech ran iron into the nation’s breast. Every leader, worth his salt, howled and growled. It was a challenge to India’s worth his salt, howled and growled. It was a challenge to India’s self-respect. And every self-respecting Indian gave vent to his thought. Dr. Ambedkar, the hardened loyalist took the Premier to task. Even the Anglo-Indian papers, the strong arm of British drive in India, were not pleased. The Civil & Military Gazette hissed. The Times of India mewed. The Statesman roared.

               Allah Bux ached with sorrow. Sorrow and indignation, deep and high, he saw the British policy in its true colours, Naked as a dagger. Mr. Churchill banged the door in the face of patient, wait-a-little-longer loyalists. Sir Sapru, the bosom friend of Britain, dipped his pen in wrath. The conscience of India was strongly on the right. Masses were markedly left wing. The Congress leaders, behind the bars, were mute with indignation. No protest came from Gandhiji. No spirited reply from Jawaharlal. But their soulful voices were nevertheless in the air. Even Mr. Jinnah forgot to pick a queue with Mr. Gandhi. He found a lot of reasons against Mr. Churchill. But the reasons were patently his own.

               Allah Bux was moody for days. Long he brooded on the future of India. Long he dwelt on the past of England. Present time swam before his eyes like airy vessels. He was a trifle bowed with the weight of state. His rosy hopes withered. The cloak of Provincial Autonomy was ragged. Dagger-like bones were peeping out. While the ministers moved in Roils Royce, the masses rolled in stinking filth.

               September 26, 1942 is an important milestone in history. Khan Bahadur Allah Bux, O.B.E., wrote the following classic letter to the Viceroy of India.:– I beg to inform your Excellency that I have decided to renounce both the honors I hold form the British Government, as I feel I cannot, consistently with my view and retain them any longer.

               “India has been struggling for her national freedom for a long time past. Upon the outbreak of the present war, it was hoped that, under the very principles and ideology in defence of which the Allies were waging a titanic conflict, India would be made free to participate in the world struggle as a free country.

               “Convinced as I am that India has every right to be free and that the people of India should have conditions in which they could live in peace and harmony, the declaration and action of the British Government have made it clear that, in stead of giving co-operation to various Indian parties and communities in settling their differences and parting with power to the people of the land and allowing them to live happily in freedom and mould the destinies of their country according to their birth-right, the policy of the British Government has been persist in keeping her under subjection, use political and communal differences for propaganda purposes and crush the national forces to serve their own imperialistic aims and intentions.

               “The latest speech delivered by Mr. Winston Churchill in the House of Commons has caused the greatest disappointment to all men of goodwill who wish to see justice rendered to India – which is long due to her.

               “As that hapless pronouncement withholds such justice from India and adds to the volume of evidence that Britain has no desire to give up her imperialistic hold on India, I feel I cannot retain the honors I hold from the British Government which, in the circumstances that have arisen I cannot but regard as tokens of British imperialism.”

               Having drafted this letter, Allah Bux was neither Khan Bahadur nor held the Order of British Empire. He sacrificed both the honors on the lofty altar of nationalism. And rightly did he so. For the Great Goddess of Democracy gives a cold shoulder to the titled gentry. She likes simple Johns and plain Jacks. Barons and baronets are not to her taste. It is better to be a Mr. So-and-so than member of a rotten benighted family. True honor is craned. It cannot be bestowed, comes through a struggle for truth and justice. Not by scrambling to kiss the knees of an enthroned personage.

               The historic letter of Allah Bux brings out several points of note. It is a golden document and a living record of bad British statesmanship. In the first place, Britain has belied the hopes of the world. Fighting to free the caged doves of Germany, she is mightily unwilling to uncage her own pigeons. Various arguments are cooked. But these are usually over-cooked. Even America does not relish English mutton of facts and figures. Britain’s attitude towards India is the touchstone of her sincerity. World judges the British Parliament by the yard of its Indian policy.

               Secondly, Allah Bux is firmly convinced that “India has every right to be free.” Not even Britain can deny it. Even the die-hards take this for granted. Mr. Churchill himself labours to prove the right, although he would not grant it. Possession is nice-tenths of law. And the law is on the side of the British, because the British have made it. India has the right, but not the might. And we all know that pen will not supersede the sword, at any rate, not for a long time to come.

               Thirdly, Allah Bux wants India to “live in peace and harmony.” Britain has robbed us of harmony. The brightest jewel in the crown of Indian philosophy. Since the landing of the Europeans on our coasts, we have lost that inner something which goes to make a man merry. We want neither food, nor freedom, nor loaf, nor liberty. But Britain, be good, give back our peace!

               Fourthly, Allah Bux lays down that the British Government is not “giving their cooperation to various Indian parties and communities in settling their differences.” The British are putting a spoke in the wheel of India Union. Although Free India will be a bulwark to Japanese aggression. Divide and Rule is still the working policy. Although combine and Rule will do the British themselves a lot of practical good, Religion is being used as a spearhead for political expression. A mask for keeping the dog from his due.

               Fifthly, the British Government has no mind to “part with power.” Promises are made. Which are hollow, Rosy constitutions are held up. But insincerity in the background remains the perpetual thorn. Words are spoken. But these find no vent in actions. No power is being parted to the sons of the soil. Who are not allowed to mould the destinies of their country? Which indeed is their birthright.

               Sixthly, Allah Bux states that “the policy of the British Government has been to continue their imperialistic hold on India and persist in keeping her under subjection.” Communal differences are used as a smoke screen. National forces are being crushed. Imperialistic aims are served. Proper national unity is robbed. Political reforms are hocus pocus. Soaring minds of the young flowering India crash to the ground like a spent up rocket. The gulf of differences shall never be bridged. There are no rosy signs in the political horizon.

               Seventhly, the latest speech of Mr. Winston Churchill “caused the greatest disappointment.” Shocked all men of goodwill. It came to honorable India like a thunderbolt from the blue. Last nail was driven into the coffin of Democracy. Sir Stafford Cripps was only dangling a new constitution to buy off Japanese attack. No doubt, Allah Bux looked upon all titles as tokens of British Imperialism.

               Allah Bux, however, did not favour Axis, Frankly he told newspapermen: “I believe in two things: defeating British Imperialism, at the same time resisting Nazism and Fascism. It is my birth-right to fight both.” Further he stated, “I wish India should be free from the foreign yoke as well as resist foreign invasion.” Asked whether he would take further steps to bring about a settlement he simply said, “Wait and see,” One journalist observed, “Hereafter you will be addressed as Premier Allah Bux.” The Premier rejoined with a laugh, “I do not know how long my Premiership will last.”

               The Premiership of Allah Bux did not last long. His laughter was prophetic. He knows his foes too well. The powers of darkness were gathering pace. He saw the approach of the storm. Signs were already in the sky. He had achieved the zenith of political power. The highest point in the firmament of national glory. The present constitution offered no further point or prospect. Rising Action was over. Crises were approaching. Catastrophe was at hand. Mr. Allah Bux was paying the full price of patriotism. It was the hard cash of blood and iron. He had taken to a mighty task. The task to resist a mighty Empire, Allah Bux must have counted the cost. He would have to pay dearly. He knew full well. And he was prepared for the worst. And the worst was not long in coming. Soon the storm broke. And the hail fell, sharp and swift on his head.”

Malicious reaction shared Governor of Sindh, Hugh Dow, with Viceroy Lord Wavell.

When the local papers come out with headings “Allah Bux” answers “Churchill” and talk of his “classic letter” to the viceroy, he begins to think of himself as a World figure.

               On October 10, 1942, the following communiqué was issued from the Government House at Karachi: — “His Excellency the Governor of Sindh has discussed with Mr. Allah Bux his recent renunciation of honours and the reasons of that renunciation given in his published letter. In the light of that discussion he had no option out to inform Mr. Allah Bux that he no longer possessed the Governor’s confidence and that he cannot in consequence continue to hold office.” Mr. Allah Bux was dismissed under Section 51 of the Government of India Act 1935, which reads “The Governor’s Ministers shall be chosen and summoned by him, shall be sworn as members of the council and shall hold office during his pleasure.”

               Mr. Allah Bux told a gathering of journalists, “My dismissal had no connection with any constitutional issue.” He further stated, “There is no point in not recognizing that under the constitution as it stands the Premier remains the Premier only if he has the confidence of the legislature.” Asked if he had any further plans, the ex-Premier said, “Wait and See.”

               The dismissal of Mr. Allah Bux front paged the newspapers all over India. The act of the Governor was held up to severe criticism. The Premier of Sind was not the first Indian to give up honours. Others had set the example years before. And none of them was punished Sir S. Subramanya Ayer, Chief Justice of Madras High Court spurned his K.C.I.E. and returned the insignia as a protest against the British attitude towards the Indian demand for home Rule during the last Great War, Poet Rabindranath Tagore scarified his Knighthood as a protest against the Punjab atrocities in 1919. The immortal poet could not dangle his honours in the face of agony inflicted on a remote corner of his beloved country. He wrote a classic letter to Lord Chelmsford, the then Viceroy of India. Mahatma Gandhi returned his Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal to the Viceroy and many other nationalists followed suit. Then why was Mr. Allah Bux alone skinned for his patriotic boldness? He was responsible to the people. The Governor ought not to have taken to the silk road of dismissals. No doubt, he is empowered mightily. But the use of power should be tempered in a country where the idea of democracy is to be nursed. “It is good to have a giant’s strength, but,” as Shakespeare puts it, “it is tyrannous to use it like a glint,” Raja Maheshwar Dayal Seth, General Secretary of the all India Hindu Mahasabha, issued the following statement to the press: — “Another nail has been put into the coffin of democracy for which the Allied nations are said to be fighting. What had the renunciation of titles to do with commanding a majority support in the Legislature is beyond my comprehension?”

               The free Press Journal gave the following merry comment in its usual fairy style editorial:

               “Mr. Allah Bux, the former Prime Minister of Sind, bore a title. He was a “Khan Bahadur”.

               What that meant no one could definitely say.

               Many are Khans without being Bahadurs and many are Bahadurs without being Khans.

               But ‘Khan Bahadurs’ are British made.

               Mr. Allah Bux was a Khan Bahadur.

               He renounced the title and the renunciation has cost him his job.

               Mr. Allah Bux should have little cause to complain.

               Under the Government of India Act 1935, Ministers hold office ‘during the Governor’s pleasure.’

               Surely it could not have been a ‘pleasure’ for the Governor of Sind to be advised by one with Mr. Allah Bux’s views.

               It would be considerably simpler to leave the pseudo democracy in Sind to the care of undertakers.       It awaits nothing but a decent burial.

               Since the Congress move of August 1942, the British Government has been tightening the reins of India. All hopes have crashed to the earth. Even the moderate sections in India have begun to grind their teeth. The deadlocked will never be unlocked, it seems. There is little to be expected from the Churchill regime. The British Premier is a superlative craftsman. So is his lieutenant, Mr. Amery. Their teeth are set for Germany, and they do not mind sharpening their jaws and claws on a bite of India if it happens to fall across their headlong way. Mr. Allah Bux issued the following statement on the eve of his dismissal: — “The statement of Mr. Amery in the commons yesterday confirms the estimate which the Indian public and Indian leaders have already formed of Churchill. Amery & Co. Mr. Amery talks of the aims, which, he says, Britain solemnly pledged herself before the world. What is that Britain has pledged herself to inform the world? Has she pledged herself to anything definite at any definite period of time?”

               Vagueness is the besetting sin of British attitude. Everybody wishes that John Bull were a bit more think. Logic plays no part in English character. It is sheer drive that Mr. Churchill feeds on. He has nothing but sweat and tears. For England during war. For India even beyond the War. There is no hope that Mr. Churchill, Amery & Co. will ever give up the brightest jewel in the British crown. They have made up their mind not to preside over “the liquidation of the Empire.” But is freedom of one fifth of human race an imperial liquidation? If so, it will be an act of grace. Worthy of the greatest statesmen. Every Englishman will welcome it. Free India will be a shoulder of strength to Britain. But Britain has not the courage to face facts. It does not trust his slave with the sword of independence. Even the history of U.S.A. is shelved. America won her day in a bloody battle. Unbleached herself from Britain. Can defy her. Yet she is the closest friend. How can India be ungrateful if freed without bloodshed? But slave India is a bird in hand. And to a power-drunk politician, ten birds in the bush have no worth.

                               Mr. Allah Bux paid a heavy price. But it was the price of patriotism. As Mr. C. Rajagopalacharia stated, “We have to remember that some-times public service gets paid in this manner.” India lost one of her most self-sacrificing spirits. He would have played a golden part, had he been not relieved in this cruel manner from all problems. He is a true martyr in the cause of freedom. He fell by the road of independence. It was a cowardly cold-blooded murder. Mr. Allah Bux was the coming man. And occupied a unique position in the political firmament. The love of office never deterred him from doing his duty. To him was an instrument of fellow service. He earned the reputation of being a master of facts and figures. After his political breach with British Government, he was engaged in filling up the breaches caused by the last Sind floods. He had no enemies. No personal quarrels as the Mirs and the Pirs of Sind have. But he was a man of strong convictions. No doubt, he earned the wrath of his political foes. This murderous attempt which proved fatal was the third of its kind. Twice before when he was Premier attempts had been made on his life. But he had a hair-breadth’s escape.

               Dr. S. D. Kitchlew rightly stated, “At this critical period of the freedom movement in the country the death of a man like Mr. Allah Bux is a thundering blow to the forces of nationalism, Mr. Allah Bux was a through going nationalist. Mr. Allah Bux is dead but his work will remain. No wonder, he has left behind touching memories. Even London was moved to prayers. East End Muslims held special prayers for him.

As Dr. Khan Sahib, ex-Premier of N.W.F. Province, stated, “He was a great nationalist and not only Sind but the whole of India will mourn his loss. Sind is bound to suffer in the long run because there is none to replace him in the public life of the province. I know him as a brave soldier in the fight for freedom on India and I offer my heart-felt sympathy to his family.” He fought till his death to uphold the dignity of his principles.

               The murder of Mr. Allah Bux may turn out to be the beginning of a bloody war. It was a shot heard around the entire subcontinent. As the “Zamindar” (Maulana Zafar Ali Khan’s paper) puts it, “It was a duel between the argument and the bullet.” It further lays down, “extraordinary efforts should be made in this connection because if a person can be murdered on the basis of difference of views and creeds then the other leaders also cannot escape the revolver for if once argument gives place to bullet then the leader of no party can be safe. If this terrorism of which the beginning has been made with this tragedy not stopped its end would prove a permanent menace”.

The Tribune, Lahore in its editorial dated May 15, 43 sums up the tragic end of a brilliant figure, the murder of Allah Bux is a national tragedy. It bodes no good to Sind. It is an outrage of wide volcanic influence. His policies marked him out as a man of uncommon courage. Curses were showered on him. “The floodtide of communalism,” says the Tribune, “which swept most members of his community off their feet, left him undisturbed. The Azad Muslim Conference of which he was the President was a tribute alike to his organizing ability and the soundness of ideals for which he stood. “

He almost licked imperialism. Governors will come and go, but the name of Mr. Allah Bux will everlastingly star the political firmament of India.

                                                      —–

On 14^th May the whole province was shocked by the dastardly murder of Mr. Allah Bux Soomro. This was indeed a great loss to Sindh. Whatever may have been our differences in the political field, there could be no denying the fact that Mr. Allah Bux Soomro was a man with strong conviction, amazing charm and competency in his own sphere of work. After his dismissal, he had grown bitter against the British imperialism.  Mr. Allah Bux had the charm and grace that could win him friends anywhere. During major period of Assembly politics, I had differences with him and opposed him unsparingly. But when I remember his qualities, I cannot help remarking that his was indeed an extra-ordinary talent. By losing him, Sindh lost a great man whose place can not be easily filled.  

  G.M Sayed

Despite his differences with the Governor on constitutional matters, Sir Hugh Dow paid Mr. Allah Bux the following tribute in his reply to the civic address presented to him the Sukkur Municipality in January 1942. “I count myself fortunate in having a Prime Minister and a Government who, while anxious as any to secure further political advance for this country, are not prepared to bargain for that by risking all the tremendous advance that has been made during the last 30 years.

Governor Hugh Dow

It can only be conjectured that had Allah Bux Soomro’s anti communal and anti Imperialist role been accepted in 1942, the civilian rule would have continued in the western part of the subcontinent without the political role of the military, and no communal-minded government could have gained power in the central and eastern parts of the subcontinent and also a tragic incident like Bangladesh would have been avoided.

Allah Bux Soomro booklet

Allah Bux Soomro belongs to local Jat (Khashtri) clan, the Soomros ruled Sindh more than three hundred years (1020 -1350).  Mr. Soomro was born in 1900 in Shikarpur town, once a commercial city of the Sindh. In 1923, he begins his political career and elected a member of the District Local Board Sukkur and in 1928, elected its president. In 1926 he was elected member of the Bombay Legislative Council and continuously represented Sindh for nine years up to the separation of the Sindh from Bombay Presidency. He played vital rile in separation movement. In 1934, Mr. Soomro, Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto and Mr. G.M. Sayed organized first political grouping of the Sindh – Sindh Peoples Party — In 1936, Mr. G. M. Sayed, Sir Abdullah Haroon, Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto and Mr. Allah Bux Soomro organised a non-communal political party — Sindh United Party – He contested first provincial election and won the seat, also elected parliamentary leader of the party. Sindh United party was a single majority party of the House, but the Governor of the Sindh, Sir Lancelot Graham, set an undemocratic precedent and called Sir Ghulam Hussain to form the Government even though Hussain’s Muslim Political party had only three seats in the House of sixty. Mr. Allah Bux Soomro became opposition leader. Governor’s cosmetic arrangements failed and opposition toppled the ministry. In March 1938, Allah Bux Soomro became the first democratically elected Premier of the Sindh. As a reformer and democrat he changed the autocratic policies of the British. He abolished the old system of Darbars, Chair System and selection of the members of the local bodies. He also introduced reforms in the agriculture sector. Meanwhile conservative minded Hindu and Muslim leadership raised communal issue of the Masjid Manzilgah. As a liberal person he did not surrender to them, as a result, he lost his government. In March 1940, he organized an All-India based non-communal party – Azad Muslim Conference — and elected its president. His visionary presidential address is a historical document and a light for future. In March 1941, again he became the premier of the Sindh. In first attempt, he presented a bill against feudal system and it was passed by the Assembly. The failure of the talks between the Congress and the British on forming of ‘Home Rule’ government changed the political scenario of the subcontinent and the Congress launched the ‘Quit India Movement’. The ruthless actions of the British compelled him to protest on it. On 26 September 1942 he wrote a letter to British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and in protest renounces his titles O.B.E. and Khan Bahadur. The British administration’s reaction was so furious and on 10 October 1942, the Governor of the Sindh, Sir Hugh Dow dismissed him. Allah Bux Soomro declared it undemocratic and unconstitutional act. After his dismissal he continued his anti imperialist political role. His existence felt by vested interest forces threat to their future plan and he was assassinated on 14 May 1943.  His murder unleashed the dark forces of communalism upon the land and mankind is continuously suffering miserably.

IN MEMORY

I

ALLAH Bux! Rest in peace, sweet star!

O martyr in the holiest ward

You lived and died without a scar;

Thy Motherland is filled with mirth.

II

You had a mightier role to play,

Your enemies were in great dismay,

But Freedom’s foes will rue the day.

For Freedom can’t forget this dearth.

III

We cannot shelve the Freedom’s strife,

The cause for which you laid your life,

Even the murderer and his knife,

Pronounce your everlasting worth.

IV

No enemies can bedim your name,

No cruel times may rob your fame,

Your soul will shine as starry flame,

To men who yet will take their birth,

V

Your cause will glow on every hill,

Your soul will flow through every rill,

Through every mind through every mill,

Through every home, through every hearth.

VI

Your Motherland shall raise to thee,

In the golden times yet to be,

A statue of liberty

The finest on the freeman’s earth.

Bombay Legislative Council

As a representative of the Sindh in Bombay Legislative Council, He stood firm on the issues of Bombay Presidency and his homeland Sindh. 

Sindh’s economy depends on agriculture and for cultivation water is very necessary. He always forced government to make better irrigation system of the province and for proper management of the water to build a barrage.

In March 1928, he talked about Begari Wah, Karias and tale.

On 17 March 1931, he spoke about improving the system of irrigation for the common benefit of the people.

On 4 October 1932, He talked about Karias and Kalari canal and further he said:

‘Water is liquid money’ and we must handle this liquid money properly. To throw away a cusec of is to throw away the taxes.

His efforts took real course and Government announced a Barrage on Indus River near Sukkur Town. Allah Bux Soomro was the member of this project.

Sukkur Barrage

The Sukkur barrage project is sign-port of development – akin to being a back bone in the history of Sindh. This dynamic irrigation project, built along a modern and scientific agricultural system, provides a golden opportunity to the people of Sindh to advance their economic goals and improve their lifestyle. Tens of thousands of acres of land came under cultivation and Sindh Began to pride itself as a modern agricultural society.

Sacrifice and simplicity

In 1942, flood threatened the city of Shikarpur, as a premier he ordered to divert flow of water to his agriculture lands. His bold act saved the city from devastation.

He usually wore Khaddar and never hoists official flag on his car. He mostly traveled without any escort.

                                                                         World Politics

 Referring to the world situation, Khan Bahadur Allah Bux described the present world war as the birth pangs of a New World Order. He said all right-thinking men had condemned the aggressor to human freedom and civilisation. Where ultimately all this will lead none can clearly foresee, but one thing is certain beyond a shadow of doubt that, unless the brutal and ruthless methods of the aggressor are checked and also the ambitious maps of all the empires are rolled up, whether they are based on democratic or totalitarian ideologies, the peace and prosperity for which the vast bulk of mankind has been pining for will not come into sight.

      Indian annual Register P. 323 Volume I – 1940

                                           The Loose Federation of Asian Subcontinent

“In October 1942 the president announced that the Azad Muslims had produced a constitutional plan “Envisaging linguistic provinces with the right of self-determination to the point of secession but in the context of Indian freedom. (Allah Bux Soomro at a press conference, New Delhi 7 October 1942 as reported in Tribune Lahore, 10 October 1942).

Further on W.C. narrated on the same page that their emphasis was still on the positive programme of mobilization of the people behind the nationalist demand. They called for a Congress-League agreement for a nationalist independent government.”

Modern Islam in India  P. 280  W.C

                                                                      Rational Methodology

G.M. Sayed you live in a dream world about the 1940 resolution that is why you are ignorant of the practicalities of politics . In practical politics, there is a little room for promises, resolutions and principals. Read history and you will find that religious edicts, individual and group interests and local situations, requirements and considerations.

Struggle for New Sindh. G.M. Sayed

                                                                       Anti Communalism

Allah Bux Soomro’s liberal government worked for the betterment of the masses above than caste and creed, His positive role took the province on the path of the progress and produce unity and harmony among the various communities. The opposition played an easy and dangerous card of communalism and they raised the issue of restoration of Masjid Manzilgah and started agitation to destabilize the government of Soomro. Mr. Soomro felt that the seeds of sectarianism are very dangerous and miserable for Sufi soil of the Sindh. He bravely faced the issue and did not surrender and bargain with them, even he lost his premiership.

 Jones Allan Keith’s scholarly opinion on the issue of Masjid Manzilgah..

(Muslim Politics and the growth of the Muslim League in Sindh –1935-41)

.

‘So in searching for a way to defeat Allah Bux’s ministry, the Sindh Leaguers decided to exploit the communally-explosive Manzilgah mosque issue, which they hoped, would expose the premier’s strong reliance on Hindu backing and marshal brand Muslim support pressure and topple the Allah Bux ministry.’

The Sindh leaguers achieved their primary goal of bringing Allah Bux down but a great cost to both the League’s image and Sindh’s communal peace – results that raised serious question about the leaguers ability to govern should they now come to power.’

Mr. Soomro presented his point of view on the floor of Assembly – 5 Feb 1940.

“In this connection I would remind this House that the matter is not capable of easy solution. On the one hand, there are people who honestly believe that one of the Manzilgah buildings was a mosque and therefore it should be restored to the Muslims out of respect for their religious feelings by the people’s own government. On the other hand also there is a section who, honestly hold that none of the Manzilgah buildings was ever a mosque. Yet another section believe that even if it was a mosque its restoration to Muslims likely to be a source of constant friction between the two major communities, on account of the Manzilgah buildings being in the proximity of the Sadhbela and worshipped carried on there. And yet another section, with or without religious conviction wished to exploit the situation for political ends. On the other hand, there was equally a group of non-Muslims who for the very political reasons resisted the restoration of the Manzilgah buildings to the Muslims.   

………….

Allah Bux Soomro felt that to coup with sectarianism and fundamentalist elements a grouping of liberal political workers are very necessary. He discussed with his like-minded friends and organised a non-communal organizations of Muslims – Azad Muslim Conference —

The organization’s first meeting held in Delhi in April 1940.

In his presidential address Mr. Soomro condemned the aggressive communalism.

“Aggressive communalism was fatal to the growth of that feeling to brotherliness, good neighbourliness and common nationality which were essential, not merely for thee acceleration of a common national effort but also for the maintenance of an atmosphere of peace, progress and stability in the country. A fair adjustment of the general needs of the country and the various communities and the various communities should be undertaken in a spirit of generosity and tolerance and of right brotherly affection for one another. Whatever our faiths, we must live together in our country in an atmosphere of perfect amity and our relations should be the relations of several brothers of a joint family, the various members of which are free to profess the faith they like without any let or hindrance and all of whom enjoy equal benefits of their joint property.”

      The Governor of Sindh, Sir Lancelot Graham’s comments on the conference. (A letter from governor to Viceroy, Lord Linlithgow.}

“K.B. Allah Bux came extremely pleased with himself from Delhi and his stock has gone up in Sindh where he is now regarded as an All-India leader.”

                                                                           Anti imperialist role

Mr. G. M. Sayed have mentioned in his book Struggle for New Sindh that interference in the matters of ministry was usual act of the Governors. The governor of Sindh Sir Hugh Dow was always in a mode to interfere in the matters of ministry. His big and worst act was the arrest of the Sayed Sibghatullah Shah Pir Pagaro.

Former bureaucrat and egotistical Sir Hugh Dow by passed the democratic norms and even did not bother to discuss Hur affairs and the arrest of Sayed

Sibghatullah Shah Pir Pagaro with the elected premier of the province; Allah Bux Soomro, he felt Allah Bux Soomro’s visit of Bombay a golden chance and in the absence of Mr. Soomro in haste he issued the orders of the arrest of Pir Pagaro. The reaction of Hur followers of the Pir was more than what administration was expecting and due to autocrat act of Sir Hugh Dow a peaceful province came in the flames of unrest.

As a chief executive of the province Allah Bux Soomro’s reaction was natural, and he said ‘enough is enough’. On 19^th December 1941 on the floor of the Assembly he condemned the special powers of the Governors.

“An important statement concerning the constitutional implications of the exercise of special powers by the governor in the day-to-day administration of government was made by the premier, Khan Bahadur Allah Bux to day.

After recalling the controversy that preceded the acceptance of ministry by the Congress and the viceroy’s assurance with the full approval of the British Government in regard to the exercise of the special powers was that, as far as possible, he did not desire whatsoever to interfere with the administration of the province. But the present governor interpreted the exercise of these powers in a different way.

“He feels that in all matters where under the Act he has to exercise individual judgment and in all matters wherein he has special responsibility he must exercise his own judgment, as also in all matters where he may hold an opinion different from that of ministers whether the matter be so important and the ministers’ advice so perverse that his being guided by the ministers’ advice would be in consisted with the exercise of his special responsibility or whether it is a mere matter of difference of opinion regarding certain day-to-day administration. His Excellency does not seem to appreciate that even in matters wherein His Excellency has special responsibility; the primary responsibility is that of the ministers.

 “The premier added that the Governor had even gone so far as to say that in the provinces where the Governors abstained from the exercising those powers, it had been done not in accordance either with the instructions or the policy of the British Government as such. If the present policy of the Governor was approved by the viceroy and the British cabinet, then it raised a constitutional issue. The House would agree with him that so far as the ministers were concerned, they were responsible to the legislature and they owed no responsibility to anyone else and so far as the Governor was concerned, his position was that he owed responsibility to the Secretary of State.”             

                                                …………………

The failure of the talks between the Congress and the British on forming of ‘Home Rule’ government changed the political scenario of the subcontinent and the Congress launched the ‘Quit India Movement’. The ruthless actions of the British compelled him to protest on it.

Jagat S. Bright scholarly made comments on the patriotic role of Mr. Allah Bux Soomro.        

               ‘Allah Bux was explosively agitated on September 11, 1942. The bluntest speech of Mr. Winston Churchill was flashed to India. The whole country was boiling with indignation the Prime Minister of England declared that the Japanese Fifth Column was aiding the Indian National Congress. And that the Congress conspiracy was breaking down. Further he poured out his bitterest feeling. These had choked his mind since the Congress launched on “Quit India Movement” programme and adopted “Do or die” policy in August last. Churchill delivered a set speech punctuated by cherry full-stops. Here is an extract: “The Indian Congress party does not represent all India.’ (Cheers). It does not represent the majority of people of India. (Cheers). It does not even represent the Hindu masses. (Cheers). It is a political organization built around a party machine and sustained by certain manufacturing and financial interests. (Cheers and laughing).” Mr. Churchill further declared: “Many martial races, divided by unbridgeable gulfs from Hindu Congress, will never consent to be ruled by it.” It was also stated that a large number of British, Australian and American troops in India were ready to tackle any Congress move. Among the critics in parliament was Mr. Shinwell. He asked if the British reinforcements sent to India were to repel the Japanese or to deal with civil disobedience. “Is this a part of the second front?” he enquired: No answer was given. But the question echoed across the Atlantic. And Washington took immediate action. Orders were issued to American troops in India. They should not burn their fingers in the civil oven.

               The speech of Mr. Churchill received a hot welcome in India. The whole nation glowed with anger. Passions ran high. Martial Communities issued counter statement. Sikhs stood up for patriotism. Even Muslim Leaguers spoke out in agony. The speech ran iron into the nation’s breast. Every leader, worth his salt, howled and growled. It was a challenge to India’s worth his salt, howled and growled. It was a challenge to India’s self-respect. And every self-respecting Indian gave vent to his thought. Dr. Ambedkar, the hardened loyalist took the Premier to task. Even the Anglo-Indian papers, the strong arm of British drive in India, were not pleased. The Civil & Military Gazette hissed. The Times of India mewed. The Statesman roared.

               Allah Bux ached with sorrow. Sorrow and indignation, deep and high, he saw the British policy in its true colours, Naked as a dagger. Mr. Churchill banged the door in the face of patient, wait-a-little-longer loyalists. Sir Sapru, the bosom friend of Britain, dipped his pen in wrath. The conscience of India was strongly on the right. Masses were markedly left wing. The Congress leaders, behind the bars, were mute with indignation. No protest came from Gandhiji. No spirited reply from Jawaharlal. But their soulful voices were nevertheless in the air. Even Mr. Jinnah forgot to pick a queue with Mr. Gandhi. He found a lot of reasons against Mr. Churchill. But the reasons were patently his own.

               Allah Bux was moody for days. Long he brooded on the future of India. Long he dwelt on the past of England. Present time swam before his eyes like airy vessels. He was a trifle bowed with the weight of state. His rosy hopes withered. The cloak of Provincial Autonomy was ragged. Dagger-like bones were peeping out. While the ministers moved in Roils Royce, the masses rolled in stinking filth.

               September 26, 1942 is an important milestone in history. Khan Bahadur Allah Bux, O.B.E., wrote the following classic letter to the Viceroy of India.:– I beg to inform your Excellency that I have decided to renounce both the honors I hold form the British Government, as I feel I cannot, consistently with my view and retain them any longer.

               “India has been struggling for her national freedom for a long time past. Upon the outbreak of the present war, it was hoped that, under the very principles and ideology in defence of which the Allies were waging a titanic conflict, India would be made free to participate in the world struggle as a free country.

               “Convinced as I am that India has every right to be free and that the people of India should have conditions in which they could live in peace and harmony, the declaration and action of the British Government have made it clear that, in stead of giving co-operation to various Indian parties and communities in settling their differences and parting with power to the people of the land and allowing them to live happily in freedom and mould the destinies of their country according to their birth-right, the policy of the British Government has been persist in keeping her under subjection, use political and communal differences for propaganda purposes and crush the national forces to serve their own imperialistic aims and intentions.

               “The latest speech delivered by Mr. Winston Churchill in the House of Commons has caused the greatest disappointment to all men of goodwill who wish to see justice rendered to India – which is long due to her.

               “As that hapless pronouncement withholds such justice from India and adds to the volume of evidence that Britain has no desire to give up her imperialistic hold on India, I feel I cannot retain the honors I hold from the British Government which, in the circumstances that have arisen I cannot but regard as tokens of British imperialism.”

               Having drafted this letter, Allah Bux was neither Khan Bahadur nor held the Order of British Empire. He sacrificed both the honors on the lofty altar of nationalism. And rightly did he so. For the Great Goddess of Democracy gives a cold shoulder to the titled gentry. She likes simple Johns and plain Jacks. Barons and baronets are not to her taste. It is better to be a Mr. So-and-so than member of a rotten benighted family. True honor is craned. It cannot be bestowed, comes through a struggle for truth and justice. Not by scrambling to kiss the knees of an enthroned personage.

               The historic letter of Allah Bux brings out several points of note. It is a golden document and a living record of bad British statesmanship. In the first place, Britain has belied the hopes of the world. Fighting to free the caged doves of Germany, she is mightily unwilling to uncage her own pigeons. Various arguments are cooked. But these are usually over-cooked.