Why did Muslim League declare to observe 16 August as Direct Action Day? What were its effects?
Answers
Direct Action Day was the day there were extreme communal riots between Hindu and Muslims in the city of Calcutta in West Bengal in India. The chosen for the great killings was 16th august 1946.
The direct action day was announced to represent the feelings of the Muslims to both British and Hindus. The Muslim Council league feared that if the British were to leave the country then the Muslims would have to be overwhelmed by the Hindu majority in the country.
This however to led to a massacre and eventually separation of Muslims from the Hindu dominion.
Direct Action Day (16 August 1946), also known as the Great Calcutta Killings, was a day of widespread communal rioting between Muslims and Hindus in the city of Calcutta. The 'Direct Action' was announced by the Muslim League Council to show the strength of Muslim feelings towards its demand for an "autonomous and sovereign" Pakistan.
Death(s): 4,000 deaths; 15,000 injured; 100,000 homeless