Page 67 - Train to Pakistan

emergence as a leader. In the evening a policeman came to Iqbal’s cell, carrying
another chair.
‘Is somebody going to share my cell?’ asked Iqbal a little apprehensively.
‘No, Babuji. Only the Inspector Sahib. He wishes to have a word with you. He

is coming now.’
Iqbal did not answer. The policeman studied the position of the chair for a

moment. Then he withdrew. There was a sound of voices in the corridor, and the
subinspector appeared.
‘Have I your permission to enter?’
Iqbal nodded. ‘What can I do for you, Inspector Sahib?’

‘We are your slaves, Mr Iqbal. You should command us and we will serve
you,’ the subinspector answered with a smile. He was proud of his ability to

change his tone and manner as the circumstances required. That was diplomacy.
‘I did not know you were so kind to people you arrested for murder. It is on a
charge of murder that you have brought me here, isn’t it? I do not suppose your

policemen told you I came to Mano Majra yesterday on the same train as they
did.’
‘We have framed no charge. That is for the court. We are only detaining you

on suspicion. We cannot allow political agitators in the border areas.’ The
subinspector continued to smile. ‘Why don’t you go and do your propaganda in
Pakistan where you belong?’

Iqbal was stung to fury, but he tried to suppress any sign of his anger.
‘What exactly do you mean by “belonging to Pakistan”, Inspector Sahib?’
‘You are a Muslim. You go to Pakistan.’

‘That is a bloody lie,’ exploded Iqbal. ‘What is more, you know it is a bloody
lie. You just want to cover up your stupidity by trumping up a false case.’
The Inspector spoke back sourly.

‘You should use your tongue with some discrimination, Mr Iqbal. I am not in
your father’s pay to have to put up with your “bloodys”. Your name is Iqbal and
you are circumcised. I have examined you myself. Also, you cannot give any

explanation for your presence in Mano Majra. That is enough.’
‘It will not be enough when it comes up in court, and in the newspapers. I am
not a Muslim—not that that matters—and what I came to Mano Majra for is

none of your business. If you do not release me within twenty-four hours I will
move a habeas corpus petition and tell the court the way you go about your