Gandhi’s fast was intended to be a soothing balm to communities on both sides of the newly vivisected country. While at least an outward appearance of camaraderie and restraint was on display on this side of the border, no such compunctions existed in Pakistan. On the night of 22 January, the Parachinar tragedy had struck there where more than 130 non-Muslims were butchered, thirty wounded and fifty abducted. The honour of women was violated in the most grotesque manner.
