Question

Why did Mahatma Gandhi decide to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement? Analyse any three reasons.

Answer 1

1. The Chauri Chaura Incident: On February 4, 1922, a peaceful political procession in Chauri Chaura (Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh) clashed with the police. Provoked by the authorities, the crowd turned violent, attacked the police station, and set it on fire, resulting in the deaths of 22 policemen. This extreme brutality deeply shocked Gandhi.
2. The Spread of Violence: Gandhi was committed to Ahimsa (absolute non-violence) as the cornerstone of the freedom struggle. As the movement spread across India, various social groups manipulated his teachings to fit local agendas, resulting in violent clashes, strikes, and riots in several regions. He feared the movement was veering completely off course.
3. The Need to Train Satyagrahis: Gandhi realized that the masses had not fully understood the philosophy and discipline required for non-violent resistance. He concluded that the Satyagrahis (protesters) needed proper training before they could be relied upon to conduct peaceful, mass-scale campaigns against the British.