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Practice of Non-Violence
Hartal was initially fixed on 30th March 1919, but was subsequently changed to 6th April. It was observed in Delhi on 30th March because the leaders of the movement there had not received the announcement of postponement; elsewhere it was held on the 6th of April. It was very nearly a complete hartal.
Hartal, fasting and processions were organized to arouse the masses. Civil disobedience of the laws in question was restricted only to those who took the pledge “that in the struggle (they) will faithfully follow truth and refrain from violence to life, person or property.” The law was broken by publishing and selling prohibited literature.
The government on its part fell heavily on the satyagrahis. They were lathi-charged, mercilessly beaten and imprisoned. Gandhi was arrested on 8th April near the border of the Punjab while he was proceeding to that province; later he was taken back and released at Bombay. As a result of these retaliatory measures, violence broke out in many places. Stonethrowing, arson, cutting of telegraph lines and even killing of some Indian and British people was resorted to by the incensed masses in some places. Violence, on the part of the masses disturbed Gandhi very much. He suspended the satyagraha movement and went on a three day 'penitential fast.'
But the Government took further repressive measures. Martial law was imposed in Ahmedabad, Lahore and Amritsar.
Apropos the Martial law rule under General Dyer, the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre was enacted in Amritsar. The Police, under the direction of the British officers, fired upon a crowd gathered within a confined area, killing hundreds of helpless persons. Public flogging was freely resorted to and the Indians were forced to crawl upon their bellies when passing a certain lane where an English woman had been assaulted.
This movement against the Rowlett Bill was a failure, as it was marked by violence on the part of the participants. This happened because of the inadequate preparation of those who participated, especially those on the periphery of the campaign. The code of discipline which was understood and adhered to by some of the prominent leaders in the campaign was not sufficiently understood and followed by the volunteers and the masses. The masses of India which had formerly remained
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