Role of Memons in Pakistan Movement by Abdur RazzaqThaplawala

When Pakistan movement was started, the Memons generously contributed to the Funds of All India Muslim League and Muslim Press Fund established by Quaid-e-Azam who knew the patriotism of Memons and therefore visited every nook and corner of Kathiawar including Rajkot, Gondal, Dhoraji, Mangrol, Bantva, Manavadar, Kutiyana, Ranawav, Porbandar, Jetpur and Wanthli in January, 1940. During these visits large processions were taken out which culminated in meetings which were addressed by Quaid-e-Azam, Mr. I.I. Chundrigar and prominent Memons personalities. At every such function Quaid-e-Azam was presented with bag full of donations. The visit of Quaid-e-Azam to such large number of towns and addressing gatherings at such relatively small places shows what importance Quaid-e-Azam gave to the Memon community as early as in 1940. Among the freedom fighters who were jailed by the British Government during Pakistan Movement, you can find the names of Mr. Usman Kasam Mitha (Father of General Abubakar Mitha of Pakistan Army) Mr. Ahmed Noor Mohammad and Mr. A. Sattar Parekh.

The Memon community was in for-front in helping the humanity irrespective of their cast or creed whenever national calamites affected India & Pakistan. This included massive earth quack in Bihar and Quetta in 30s and floods in East Pakistan. For the work for the welfare of victims of Earthquake Mr. Abdul Sattar Haji Suleman Naviwala was awarded the medal of Qaiser-Hind by ViceRoy. The Pakistan Government awarded Sitara-e-Khidmat to Mr. Usman Suleman for flood relief activities in East Pakistan.

ROLE OF COMMUNITY IN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT

But it was not only trade and business in which the members of community participated. They look equal interest in independence movement. I will only touch this subject briefly by mentioning the names of the members of community who participated or contributed to independence movement even before the movement of Pakistan was started.

During Khilafat Movement many notable Memons contributed huge amounts of donations. The names of Mr. Omer Subani and Ahmed son of Janmohammad Chotani were prominent among these donors. When Subash Chandra Bose announced. The formation of Azad Hind Fauj in 1944, Mr. A. Habib Haji Yusuf Marfani huge contributions for the cause. He was appointed Chairman of supply Board of the Council of Indian Liberation Army. Mr. A. Sattar Palwala and Mr. A. Latif Admani were other prominent members of the community who actively participated in the movement. Mr. Admani was later arrested  by British Government and sent to jail. Many Memons also actively contributed & participated in Reshmi Roomal movement.