.. After the 'direct-action-day', called by the Muslim League government under the Prime Ministership of Suhrawardi, in Bengal, in August, 1946, which led to the slaughter of Hindus, Sardar Patel concluded that there was undeclared civil war in this country by the Muslims on the rest. He knew that the non-Muslims were unprepared for violence and civil war and that as long as Gandhiji was alive, there could be no armed defence by the non- Muslims against the Muslims. He was sure that if the non- Muslims organised and started resisting the Muslim violence, they would prevail but that it might take 20 to 25 years. In the meanwhile, great harm would be done to the country. He therefore preferred the lesser evil, namely, the partition of India. He called K.M. Munshi and said, "Hello Akhandawadi! I have decided to agree to the partition of India". K.M. Munshi was shocked and asked how partition would be the solution. Sardar Patel explained his reasoning and thoughts and then added, "Munshiji, after partition we will have the machinery of the government of India at our command, i.e. the military and the police, At least we can use them to withstand the onslaught of Muslims in Pakistan and within India and protect the life and honour of non-Muslims in what remains as India.                                                                    (Source: Editorial, The Prajna, January-March, 1998)