Page:The Pilgrims' March.djvu/37

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LALA LAJPAT RAI
15

Monday, however, the Magistrate had persuaded himself into different conclusion and sentenced Pandit Neki Ram to 8 month's rigorous imprisonment. May we ask if the treatment meted out to Pandit Neki Ram, as an under-trial prisoner, from the moment of his arrest onwards can show anything but racial discrimination as against the sons of the soil? Would a European of the position of Pandit Neki Ram have been treated similarly.

Pandit Neki Ram was handcuffed and brought to Lahore in a third class compartment. At Lahore he had to take his food in court with handcuffs on both hands, and from what I hear of the treatment since, I am compelled to say that it is only farcical to try an Indian under Section 153 A, for pointing out the huge injustice done to the sons of the soil. What is the use of convicting a man like Pandit Neki Ram on this charge when the whole system of government in the country breathes the spirit of racial discrimination and when there are hardly any Indians who have not bitterly complained of it at some time or other of their life. I have no complaint to make of the British who believe in the superiorty of their race. But what fills me with humiliation and anger is the callous