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Zahir-ud-Din Srinagar, April 22 : Although the Muslim Conference was converted into National Conference to give the freedom movement a secular look, the move failed to lure the non-Muslims of Kashmir.

Only a handful of them joined the rechristened version of the MC. The Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah during his visit to the Valley in early 40’s stunned the NC workers by posing a question to them: How many non-Muslims have joined the NC?

With the intention of giving some tough moments to the Quaid, an NC worker, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Zahra Hamdanai posed three questions to the Quaid during a reception hosted by the alumni of Aligarh Muslim University. The Quaid answered the questions politely.

Question No 1. Is creation of Pakistan possible in presence of overwhelming majority of Hindus of India? The Quaid replied, “If De veer can separate Ireland from Britain, why should not 10 crore Muslims succeed in creating a state of their own.

”Question No 2: If Pakistan comes into existence, will it not be a poor country? The Quaid replied: “No, not at all. It is better to live in a shabby hut than live in a mansion in insecure India.”

Question No 3. Keeping the Muslim Majority population of the state in view which party can serve the interests of Muslims better. NC or MC? The Quaid replied: “Apparently NC. But can you tell me how many non-Muslims are members of the NC.”

This stunned the NC workers. Hamdani had to eat a humble pie. Some one from the crowd cried, Budh Singh, Kashap Bandhu. This was greeted with laughter by the people present much to the discomfort of the NC workers.

The Quaid said: “Had non-Muslims joined the NC, the Maharaja’s government would have succumbed in seven days.”

MC leader Ghulam Muhammad Jeweler, who later joined Sardar Ibrahim’s government in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, hosted another reception in Amar Singh Club. A number of non-Muslims were invited. The president of All India Kashmir Pandit Yuvak Sabha, Shiv Narain Fotedar who later became a member of Rajya Sabha during Bakshi’s regime, said: “I am leader of minorities but not Jinnah of Kashmir.” The Quaid turned towards him and said: “I wish you good luck.”