Before daybreak, the mail train rushes through the village on its way to Lahore, waking up the village on its way. Up until the arrival of the train full of corpses, life in Mano Majra was predictable and followed a set schedule. That evening, for the first time in the memory of Mano Majra, Imam Baksh’s sonorous cry did not rise to the heavens to proclaim the glory of God. This power vacuum is typical of many post-revolutionary societies, and for people like Banta Singh it’s one reason why revolution and the supposed freedom it brings is meaningless. This is because once the English relinquished control, India’s new self-government failed to enforce the rule of law, leading to a rise of violence and crime. In the aftermath of any revolution a common question is, “Was life better before?” Here Banta Singh argues that life in the Indian subcontinent was indeed better before India’s liberation from British rule, because there was more security. At least there was security.' Banta Singh, page 75 The only ones who enjoy freedom are thieves, robbers and cutthroats.' Then he added calmly: 'We were better off under the British. 'The winds of destruction are blowing across the land. He realizes that if he goes and aligns himself with the Muslims, he himself could be killed. Though he agrees that the killing of the Mano Majra Muslims would be immoral, Iqbal decides to stay at the gurdwara instead of going to defend the Muslims. The second part of Chand’s advice to the sub-inspector is on display in Iqbal’s actions near the end of the novel. This quick turnover testifies to the veracity of Chand’s words about people and points of view changing rapidly. The Sikhs of Mano Majra are swayed, and join the mob’s plot to murder the Muslims of Mano Majra on their escape train to Pakistan. However, when a mob from a neighboring village comes and spreads propaganda about the evils Muslims are committing against Sikhs, the tide changes. For example, after the head constable’s order that all Muslims of Mano Majra are to be evacuated to Pakistan, the Sikhs of the village vow to stand by their Muslim neighbors. First, his words highlight how quickly politics and situations can change. The significance of Hukum Chand’s words to the sub-inspector is two-fold. Even if you feel strongly about something, learn to keep silent.' Hukum Chand, page 36 'The world changes so rapidly that if you want to get on you cannot afford to align yourself with any person or point of view.
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