In a recent event organized by the state government to remember the horrors of Partition, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi touched upon the factors that led to this tragic event. He stated that the British government's "divide and rule" policy played a crucial role, along with the faulty decisions made by the Muslim League and the Congress leadership at that time. These decisions were driven by personal interests and a thirst for power, which ultimately led to the division of the country.
Majhi expressed his distress over the loss of countless lives and the brutal violence inflicted upon women during the Partition. He emphasized that the consequences of this event are still felt today, as it caused one of the largest mass displacements in the world. He highlighted the stories of famous personalities like LK Advani, Manmohan Singh, and Milkha Singh, who were forced to flee their homes and start anew in India.
Despite facing immense challenges, they were able to achieve great success through their hard work and determination. On the other hand, Majhi also shed light on the discrimination faced by Muslims who migrated to Pakistan and were labeled as "Mohajirs." He stated that the suffering and trauma associated with Partition have continued to affect subsequent generations. He urged everyone to not only remember this painful chapter of the past but also make a commitment to uphold the unity and integrity of the country.
Majhi stressed the fact that Partition was not just a boundary division but caused a massive displacement of people. He commended the inclusion of subjects related to Partition in NCERT textbooks, which will help the younger generation understand the events without any misconceptions. In light of the upcoming Independence Day, Majhi urged people to celebrate with pride and also remain vigilant in protecting the country's sovereignty, security, unity, and integrity.
He reminded everyone that such a tragedy should never be repeated in the future. The article ended by mentioning that the news was reported by PTI and published by Orissa POST, the leading English daily in Odisha.