Why Sikhs and Hindus of Pakistan Didn’t Stay Back During Partition

The partition of British India in 1947 was a pivotal moment in the history of the subcontinent, leading to the creation of two new nations: India and Pakistan. While many Sikhs and Hindus chose to remain in Pakistan, others were driven out by force or fear. A critical factor that influenced their decision was the manipulative promises made by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.

Manipulation by Muhammad Ali Jinnah

During the partition process, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the then Governor-General of Pakistan, made promises of peaceful coexistence to both Sikhs and Hindus. His vision was to create a state where all religious groups could live in harmony. However, these promises were illusory. Jinnah’s death soon after Pakistan's independence in 1947 left a power vacuum, and his successors were not as committed to secular principles as he was.

This change in leadership made it clear that religious minorities, including Sikhs and Hindus, would not find security in Pakistan. Jinnah’s initial speech during the Pakistan Round Table Conference had promised that every citizen would have the freedom to practice their religion. However, with the establishment of Pakistan and the subsequent discriminatory policies, this promise became nothing more than a mirage.

Persecution and Forced Conversions

Wherever Muslims have become the majority, there has been little tolerance for non-Muslims. This was evident in Pakistan, which turned into an Islamic state after partition. Non-Muslims faced persecution, forced conversions, and even physical harm. The fate of non-Muslims in Pakistan mirroring that of the Zoroastrian Parsis in Iran, where minorities were persecuted and forced to leave.

The Sikh community in Pakistan, having large estates, factories, and farms, was subjected to violence and oppression. Whether it was killings, forced conversions, or the abduction of women and children, the situation was dire. Many Sikhs had to leave their houses, businesses, and well-established lives as refugees in order to survive.

Reasons for Leaving

Sikhs had a compelling reason to opt for India over Pakistan. The partition of India reconciled different ideologies, from nationalism to ethnicity. The Sikh leader, Master Tara Singh, envisioned a separate state called Sikistan. However, under political pressure, he agreed to support Indian independence and unity, which were nationalist elements in the party.

While Pakistan was created primarily for Muslims, it was clear that the Sikhs would be treated as a minority and face discrimination. This realization led many Sikhs to opt for India, where they were welcomed with open arms. Hindus have even referred to Sikhs as their own, reflecting the close relationship between these communities.

Conclusion

The partition of India and the creation of Pakistan was a tragic episode in the history of South Asia. While some Sikhs and Hindus chose to stay in Pakistan, many faced unspeakable violence and were forced to leave. Understanding the historical context and the promises made by Jinnah is crucial in comprehending the fate of these communities during this tumultuous period.