E-Book - Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi – His Life & Timesresponsibility, some representatives hesitated and went away to consult theirconscience and subordinates.At last, on the morning of the 18th, the pledge was drafted and signed andoven- a hundred delegates repaired from Prasad's home to Birla House. Nehruand Azad were already there. The Chief of Police of Delhi and his deputy werealso present; they too hack! Signed the pledge. Hindus, Moslems, Sikhs,Christians and Jews attended. The Hindu Mahasabha and the R.S.S. wererepresented.Jarab Zahid Hussain-Saheb, the High Commissioner (Ambassador) of Pakistan inDelhi, was also present.Prasad opened the conference with the fasting Mahatma by explaining thattheir pledge included a promise and programme for implementation. Theundertakings were definite. ‘We take the pledge 'that we shall protect the life,property and faith of the Moslems and that the incidents which have takenplace in Delhi will not happen again.'Gandhi listened and nodded.We want to assure Gandhiji,' Point Two, 'that the annual fair atKwaja Qutab-ud-Din Mazar will be held this year as in previous years.'This was a reference to a fair held regularly at a Moslem shrine"-outsidethe city.The specific nature of this promise seemed to brighten Gandhi's face.'Moslems will be able to move about in Subzimandi, Karol Bagh, Paharganj andother localities just as they could in the past.The mosques which have been left by Moslems and which are now in thepossession of Hindus and Sikhs will be returned. The areas which have been setapart for Moslems will not be forcibly occupied.'Moslems who had fled could return and conduct their business as before.These things,' they assured him, 'will be done by our personal efforts and notwith the help of the police or military.'www.mkgandhi.org Page 564