Genocide: - DIIS

The Punjab 1937-47 - A Case of Genocide?
Growth of Private Armies
In March 1942 it was reported that the communal defence organisations
were growing like “mushrooms” 59 and the death of Sir Sikander in December
1942 created further tension in the province. Sir Sikander, who
was followed by Khizar Tiwana Khan, had been a very important British
ally. And even though Jinnah did not have any say in his replacement, Sir
Sikander’s death made it easier for Jinnah to challenge the Unionist leadership
in Punjab. 60
Even though hardly any communal incidents were reported during 1943
the picture changed drastically during 1944. In March 1944 eight Muslims
were killed and one wounded in a Hindu Muslim clash in the Hissar district,
and in Lahore city one Muslim was stabbed to death by a Hindu. 61
The communal relations and the Unionist leadership in the Punjab were
also threatened by Jinnah’s aggressive posture and in May 1944 the fi nal
break between the Unionists and Jinnah took place when Khizar was expelled
from the Muslim League. 62
The main concern of the offi cials in the summer of 1944 continued to be
the deteriorating communal and political relations among the three communities.
Governor Glancy was worried about the possible activities of the
Muslim League National Guards, a body formed from a reorganisation of
the Muslim League volunteers. The new raison d’être of the organisation
was to strengthen the social and physical development of Muslims and
create a spirit of self-sacrifi ce and service. Furthermore, the guards would
start wearing uniform. 63 Thus, the quasi-military character of the organisation
was underlined. According to the Governor it was important to make
it clear from the very beginning that uniformed bodies of this kind would
not be tolerated. 64 However, nothing was done to stop the volunteer organisations.
59 FR second half of May 1942, IOL L/P&J/5/245, p. 75.
60 David Gilmartin (1979), “Religious Leadership and the Pakistan Movement in the Punjab”,
Modern Asian Studies, 13, 3, p. 506-07.
61 FR fi rst half of March 1944, IOL,L/P&J/5/247, p. 108
62 Jalal (1986), p. 95.
63 Ian Talbot (1996), p. 64.
64 Wavell to Amery, TOP vol. 4, p. 1019-1023.
95