On 9th August 1942, most of the Congress leaders were arrested. They were lodged in prisons in different parts of India. The Congress was banned. There were hartals and processions in every part of the country. The government let loose a reign of terror and there were firings, lathi charges and arrests throughout the country. People resorted to violence also. They attacked government property, damaged railway lines and disrupted posts and telegraphs. There were clashes with the police at many places. The government imposed restrictions on the publications of news about the movement. Many newspapers decided to close down rather than submit to the restrictions. By the end of 1942, about 60,000 people had been jailed and hundreds killed. Among the killed were many young children and old women. In Tamluk, in Bengal,73-year old Matangini Hazra,in Gohpur Assam 13 year old Kanaklata Barua, in Patna Bihar seven young students and hundreds of others were shot dead while taking part in processions. As  I was reading my 8th grade history book , I came across these words and felt that it is the same thing again, only difference being  that   oppressed have become the oppressors this time.

Saira Fazili
Student
Presentation Convent High School

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