Suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement, which began in 1920 as a response to various injustices faced by Indians under British rule, came to a halt in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident. In February of that year, a group of protesters, advocating for non-violent resistance, turned violent when they clashed with police forces, resulting in the death of several policemen. This incident raised serious concerns for Mahatma Gandhi, who emphasized the principles of non-violence and peaceful resistance.
Key Points
- Chauri Chaura Incident: The protests turned violent with the killing of policemen, contradicting the fundamental principles of non-violence that Gandhi advocated.
- Gandhi's Decision: Sensing the movement had lost its peaceful character, Gandhi decided to suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement to recalibrate the approach towards achieving Swaraj (self-rule).
- Implications: This suspension highlighted the challenges within mass movements in adhering to non-violence in the face of oppression, underscoring the complexity of leading a large, diverse population towards a common goal. This event marked a pivotal moment in Indian nationalism, leading to reflections on strategy and philosophy.