Direct Action Day (1946)

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

• Summer 1946; clear that British were leaving
• After cabinet mission failure
• Muslims feared they would just leave India to solve its own issues
• If that happened Muslims would suffer at hands of Hindu majority
• they needed a show of Muslim solidarity and indication of Muslim strength
• Jinnah said British and congress held a pistol at Muslims now it was their turn

Question 2

Direct Action Day

Answer 2

• League passed Res. declaring preparation for final struggle against British and congress
• 16th August 1946 Direct Action Day was called to show power and strength of Muslims
• Thousands protested peacefully showing Muslim solidarity
• Jinnah asked Muslims to give up Muslims titles
• In Calcutta things got out of hands and violence ensued seeing 4000 people killed
• Also known as Great Calcutta Killings