Question
What controversies did arise regarding the solution of the refugee problem?
Answer
After the partition of India in 1947, a large number of refugees fled from Pakistan to India and vice versa. The Indian government, particularly Nehru, faced criticism and controversy regarding the handling of the refugee problem. Some of the controversies include:
- Nehru’s alleged lack of action in solving the refugee problem, particularly in East Bengal, where many Hindu refugees were facing persecution. Nehru was accused of being indifferent to the suffering of the refugees and not doing enough to provide them with adequate support and rehabilitation.
- Nehru’s alleged failure to keep his promise of providing asylum to the refugees who could not be ensured safety in their own country. Congress leaders, including Nehru and Gandhi, had promised asylum to the refugees before the partition of India but later denied making such promises.
- Nehru’s advice to the refugees not to come to India was seen by some as a lack of empathy and concern for their plight.
- The controversy over the identification of refugees as ‘foreign guests’ or ‘illegal infiltrators’, created a sense of insecurity and fear among the refugees.
- The controversy over the integration of refugees into Indian society and economy, with some arguing for their separate identity and others advocating for their assimilation.
