Religion Practice and Science of Non Violence

Author(s): O P Jaggi
Publisher: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt Ltd

Page 82

Religion, Practice and Science of Non-Violence
the tax. Flattery, fines, flogging, bribery and imprisonment, all proved ineffective. Attempts were made to divide the communities against each other. The land and goods of the peasants were forfeited and distributed or sold among the Pathans of the North-west Frontier Province, who were brought into the district to terrorize the villagers.
The peasants, however, insisted on ploughing the lands which had been attached by the Government. Technical trespass was also extended especially by women volunteers through the building of huts and camps upon forfeited land. The satyagraha committee, without doubt, was directing much of the life of the villagers throughout the district, especially during the latter months of the compaign. For an official to receive any services in the district, he had to have the permission of the satyagraha headquarters.
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The preliminary preparations were so perfect that there was no hesitation in the follow-up action The oppression solidified the feeling of the people. A strong social boycott was maintained against all government representatives and those who purchased forfeited goods or lands. The boycott, however, did not interfere with the supply of physical necessities to such people.
A continuous assessment of the situation was made by the leaders of the movement, and especially by Sardar Patel, who was a master at organization. New tactics were developed to meet specific situations as they arose. Maintaining unity among people from the various religions, castes and occupational communities within the Bardoli populace, was particularly looked into. The opposition efforts to emphasize these divisions were countered by skilled measures. Taking into consideration the changing conditions, the emphasis laid upon fearlessness in the early stages of the movement was changed to peace and unity in the later stages. Increasing publicity all over the country was eliciting more and more sympathy for the original inhabitants of Bardoli. The strength of the peasant participants was on the increase. Several members of the legislature resigned in protest against the Government's stand. The matter was discussed in the provincial legislature and even so far as in parliament in London.
After five and a half months, the Government had to yield to practically every one of the demands of the satyagrahis. The