Mr. Jinnah's encounter with Lord Minto


In 1910 Mr. Jinnah in the debate on the resolution on indentured labour for Natal said before the Viceroy of India Lord Minto:

“If I may say at the outset, it is a most painful question, a question which has raised the feeling of all classes in this country to the highest pitch of indignation and horror at the harsh and cruel treatment that is meted out to Indians in South Africa.”

Lord Minto interrupted and said: “I think that is rather too strong a word ‘cruelty’.

At this Mr. Jinnah retorted: “Well, my Lord, I should feel inclined to use much stronger language.”

Jinnah was applauded for his courageous stand, and the press displayed the incident in bold headlines.

Gandhi and Jinnah - a study in contrasts

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