Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/717

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Thus, we are all moving in a vicious circle and the country suffers. I write this not to blame, but to warn you and to confess that we have grievously neglected you. I am doing penance in one way, other workers are doing in another way. Messrs. Azad Sobhani, Jaykar, Jamnadas, Mitha, Sathe, Moazam All and many others have been risking their lives in bring- ing under control this unfortunate ebullition. Srirnati Sarojini Naidu has fearlessly gone in your midst to rea- son with you, and to appeal to you. Our work in your midst has only just begun. Will you not give us a chance by stopping the mad process of retaliation ? Hindus and Mussalmans should be ashamed to take reprisals against the Parsis or Christians. The latter must know it to be suicidal to battle against the Hindu and Mussalman ferocity by brute strength. The result is they must seek assistance of an .alien Government, i.e., sell their freedom. Surely the best course for them is to realise their nationality and believe that reasoning Hindus and Mussalmans must and will protect the interests of the minorities before their own. Anyway, the problem before Bombay is to ensure absolute protec- tion of the minorities and acquisition of control over the rowdy element, and I shall trust that you, hooligans of Bombay, will now restrain your hand and give a chance .o the workers who are desirous of serving you. May Sod help you. I am, your friend, M. K. Gandhi.

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