Why was Pakistan faced with a refugee problem in 1947? [7] (Past Paper, June 2001: Q4/b)

[Escaping Hindus’ Atrocities] Many parts of India had already seen worst scenes of Hindu-Muslim riots just before partition in 1947. The Hindus and Sikhs in Eastern Punjab were particularly fully charged with anti-Muslim sentiments. In such areas, a large number of Muslims were ruthlessly killed; entire Muslim villages were destroyed. Women were disrespected and even children were slaughtered. There were reports that local Indian authorities were also supporting the violent Hindu mobs. Under such circumstances, the Muslims had no option except to seek refuge in a safe place and therefore they migrated to Pakistan on large scale to escape the brutalities of Hindus.

[Unjust Demarcation] The boundary demarcation was unjust; a number of Muslim-majority areas like Gurdaspur and Ferozpur were given to India where the Muslims were not feeling secure. They were now vulnerable to the barbarities of Hindus and Pakistan was unable to help them across the border. They therefore left their homes, land and businesses and joined the migrating caravans towards Pakistan.

[Princely States] When the Muslim. ruler of Junagadh, a Hindu-majority area, decided to join Pakistan, India forcibly took over its territories putting the Muslims at risk to communal violence. Similarly, Kashmir had about 85% Muslim population but when its Hindu maharajah decided to join India, fighting broke out against him. These incidents further intensified the movement of refugees to Pakistan.

[Willing Migration] Since partition was made on the religious lines, a number of Muslims migrated willingly to Pakistan. They could manage to move some of their belongings along with them. They liked to live in a Muslim country.