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the first time because he did not want to compromise on matter of principle. Gandhi became more firmly convinced than ever that the British had no intention of voluntarily giving freedom to India, and that they must be induced under pressure to concede it. Finally, in August 1942, Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement (Bharat Chhoro Andolan). A resolution was passed on August 8, 1942 in Bombay by the All India Congress Committee, declaring its demand for an immediate end of British rule. The Congress decided to organize a mass nonviolent protest on the widest possible scale." Gandhi's slogan of “Karenge ya Marenge” (“Do or Die”) inspired the nation. Every man, woman and child began dreaming of a free India.
The government's response to the movement was quick. The Congress was banned and most of its leaders were arrested before they could start mobilizing the people. The people, however, were unstoppable. There were Hartals (strikes) and demonstrations all over the country. People attacked all symbols of the British government such as railway stations, courts, and police stations. Railway lines were damaged and telegraph lines were cut.
The British responded with swift brutality. The army was called out to assist the police. There were Lathi-charges (stick pelting) and police fired at unarmed demonstrators. Protestors were arrested and tortured. During the first half of 1943, over thirty six thousand people had been jailed, including the convicted and those detained without trial on security grounds. The few leaders who escaped arrest went into hiding and tried to guide the mass movement from underground. Among them were Jai Prakash Narayan, S. M. Joshi, Aruna Asaf Ali, Ram Manohar Lohia, Achyut Patwardhan and Sucheta Kripalani.
Gandhi & Jainism
Pg.89
