Table of Contents
Why Jinnah Advocates for a Divided India
According to Jinnah (1940), most people believe in non-aggression and non-interference between countries. Therefore, dividing India into two as Pakistan for the Muslims India for the Hindus would work in the reduction of violence that continues to affect the country because of the differences in religions. In addition, Jinnah (1940), proposes that the separation will help in the two countries growing a tolerance between each other leading to the exchange of ideas and an improvement in trade. The separation will allow the countries to learn more about each other, therefore maintaining friendly relations (Paul, 1941). He notes that even in the event of separation of the two countries, they would still disagree with each other’s policies and the structure, but not damaging enough to result in violence.
The other reason Jinnah (1940), is in favor of separation is because the separation of India into two states supports India’s policy of peace reforms. Hence in pursuit of such a policy, Jinnah (1940), believes that choosing a path of non-alignment boosts the alliance between the two separate divisions. Moreover, Jinnah believes that such a non-alignment would not mean that there would be a lack of faith and conviction, but would mean there is a positive approach allowing people flourish.
Benefits of separating People Based on Religious Differences
In my opinion, I believe that when people are separated in regards to religious or other differences such as culture, there are fewer issues related to violence between members of the religion.
People also learn to tolerate and respect each other’s religion because they do not always interact and the chances of getting into arguments with each other are reduced.
Challenges of separating people Based on Religious Differences
The problem with separating people based on any difference, whether it is culture or religion is that it tends to create an atmosphere of vulnerabilities. When people from different cultures or religions live together it is not easy for one group to attack the other one because attacking them would mean they attack people from their group.
Hussain et al. (1999), propose that Gandhi foresaw an increase in divisive violence if people separated based on religions. Hence, separation is likely to create an environment of untrustworthiness between people because they are less likely to understand each other when living separately.
- Hussain, A., Brians, P., & Law, R. (1999). “Mohandas K. Gandhi: Indian Home Rule” In Reading about the World (1909) (Vol. 2). Boston: Course Technology Ptr.
- Jinnah, A. (1940) “Presidential address by Muhammad Ali Jinnah to the Muslim League Lahore” In Address by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at Lahore Session of Muslim League
- Paul, H. (1941). “Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)” In Toward Freedom: The Autobiography of Jawaharlal Nehru. New York: John Day Co