Summary A collection of newspaper articles dating back to the Partition reveals many stories of the era gone
(Web Desk) - With the 70th Independence anniversary of Pakistan and India around the corner, there is a lot of celebration and recollection of the event that brought the two nations into existence.
BBC Urdu has compiled newspaper articles from the times that witnessed one of the richest lands tear into pieces while offering hope and giving new lives to its people, but for some, only memories of their loved ones to live by. As the two countries celebrate seven decades of existence, newspaper articles dating back to the Partition provide an insight of one of the most important events of the region.
DAWN
America’s first message to Pakistan
(Washington, Saturday) In a message to Pakistan’s constitutional assembly George Marshall, United States Secretary of State told that the people of United States are taking much interest in this new country. In a message to the Chairman he said, “I on behalf of the US Government and its people wish you the best of luck and hope that what you are starting today in the first session of the constitutional assembly may be successful. I am confident that the constitution Pakistan’s leadership will present in front of the world will be a proof of its adherence to democracy, and it will be such a composition that will become the foundation of political and social prosperity for the people of your country. Your proceedings are being observed with much interest by the people of United States as well as by other freedom-loving people around the globe.”
Hindustan Times
An old newspaper clipping from 1947 with Nehru s explanation on partition. Photo Source: BBC Urdu
Why did Congress accept partition: Nehru’s explanation
Pundit Nehru has said, “We accepted partition for the independence of India. Punjab and Bengal were strongly demanding separation. People said that division was needed to stop the ongoing slaughter in both the provinces. Until helpless, no Punjabi or Bengali can ever say such a thing. People against the separation of Bengal 40 years ago, were the ones who demanded it now, and now that Punjab and Bengal are being separated the public wants us not to accept it. There are times when we need to follow the lesser of two evils principle. As for my personal opinion, I accept the responsibility for all my decisions within the last 16 months, the circumstances have made me make a very painful decision.
Eastern Times
Eastern Times on drought in S. E. Punjab 1947. Photo Source: BBC Urdu
Famine feared in South Eastern Punjab
Due to below-average precipitation this monsoon, South Eastern Punjab is facing a drought. A large number of dairy animals are dying every day as a result of feed shortage especially in Hasaar District of South Eastern Punjab. Ponds across the district have dried, and not even a single blade of grass can be found. Next to Rajputana’s border, deer skeletons and that of other animals can be seen.
People have to walk for miles in order to get a single pot of water in some places.
A Deputy Director ranked officer has been sent to the affected area, who is managing supplies from the unified districts of East Punjab.
The destruction of Kharif crops is feared if it does not rain within the next few days.
To ensure the supply of dairy animals’ feed, it is being bought at discounted rates from states like West Railway Ferozepur, Ludhiyana, Jalandhar, Montgomery, and Bahawalpur. The government of Punjab has directed the use of special trains to serve for this purpose. The government of the unified states has decided to allow the chopping down of trees, and permit grazing on the bank of the canal.
For now, animal feed received from the nearby districts is being sold at a price of rupees 4 to 8 per maund, that is four times the normal price.
