Is Partition the World’s Greatest Human Tragedy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Partition is regarded as a significant human tragedy.
- Over 1 million lives were lost during this period.
- Historical injustices continue to affect displaced individuals.
- Current government efforts aim to address these issues.
- Understanding history is crucial for fostering unity.
Jaipur, Aug 12 (NationPress) Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma described the Partition as the world’s “greatest human tragedy,” highlighting that prior to Independence, more than 1 million individuals lost their lives and countless families were shattered.
During a seminar entitled Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas, organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party in Jaipur City at the Birla Auditorium, he emphasized the sacrifices made by great leaders for India’s freedom. However, he lamented that the lust for power and politics of appeasement resulted in the division of the nation.
“Trains arriving from Pakistan were filled with lifeless bodies, illustrating the extent of the horror brought on by Partition. Today, Hindus in Pakistan continue to endure injustice,” he remarked.
Sharma criticized previous administrations for neglecting to provide citizenship to displaced individuals from Pakistan and even denying them compensation for their confiscated properties.
“The Congress party, which sacrificed countless lives for power, now lectures us on unity. A party that caused the division of our nation can never hope to unite it,” he asserted.
He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing a long-standing obligation by granting citizenship to victims via the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Sharma also praised volunteers from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for their assistance to refugees during Partition. Programme State Convener Ashok Parnami reflected on the plight of those who escaped Pakistan in 1947, including forced conversions and violence against women. He expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for delivering justice to victims through the CAA.
“This day is not about political advantage but about presenting historical truths and learning from them,” Parnami noted, attributing blame for Partition to the Congress party and the Gandhi family, framing it as a political choice rather than a necessity.
“Had Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel been in power, Partition could have been averted,” he claimed, asserting that Hindus from Pakistan are industrious citizens, not mere refugees.
Notable attendees included Deputy CM Diya Kumari, Dr. Premchand Bairwa, former State President Arun Chaturvedi, former Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore, ministers, MLAs, and senior party officials, with the event hosted by former MLA Ramlal Sharma.