The British colonial government responded to the Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, with a combination of repression, attempts at negotiation, and propaganda. The government was caught off guard by the widespread support and mass participation in Gandhi’s movement and sought to quell the growing unrest through various measures.
- Initial Dismissal:
- Initially, the British colonial authorities dismissed the Dandi March as a symbolic gesture and underestimated its potential to mobilize widespread support. They hoped that the march would fizzle out without causing significant disruption to colonial rule.
- Arrests and Crackdown:
- As the Dandi March gained momentum and attracted large crowds, the British government began to view it as a serious threat to law and order. British officials issued orders to arrest Gandhi and other leaders of the movement, including Sarojini Naidu and Abbas Tyabji.
- Over 60,000 people, including Gandhi, were arrested during the course of the Salt Satyagraha. The arrests were intended to disrupt the leadership of the movement and deter others from participating in acts of civil disobedience.
- Repression and Violence:
- British authorities deployed police and paramilitary forces to suppress protests and maintain control over affected areas. Peaceful demonstrators were subjected to baton charges, tear gas, and arrests.
- In some instances, the British response to the Salt Satyagraha turned violent, with police resorting to brutal tactics to disperse crowds and quell unrest. Several protesters were injured, and some lost their lives in clashes with the authorities.
- Attempts at Negotiation:
- Recognizing the widespread support for the Dandi March and the potential for escalating unrest, the British government made attempts to negotiate with Gandhi and other leaders of the movement.
- Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, sent emissaries to engage in talks with Gandhi and explore possible concessions to address the grievances of the Indian population. However, the negotiations were inconclusive, as Gandhi insisted on the complete abolition of the salt tax and other oppressive laws.
- Propaganda and Censorship:
- The British government sought to undermine the credibility of the Salt Satyagraha through propaganda and censorship. British-controlled newspapers and media outlets portrayed Gandhi and his followers as agitators and troublemakers, while downplaying the legitimacy of their demands.
- Censorship laws were enforced to suppress news coverage of the Salt Satyagraha and prevent the dissemination of information about protests and acts of civil disobedience.
- Imposition of Martial Law:
- In some regions where the Salt Satyagraha gained significant traction, the British authorities imposed martial law to quell unrest and maintain control. Martial law empowered colonial officials to take drastic measures, including the arrest and detention of suspected agitators and the suspension of civil liberties.
Despite the government’s efforts to suppress the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha, the movement continued to garner widespread support and international attention. The British response to the Dandi March highlighted the resilience and determination of the Indian nationalist movement in the face of colonial oppression. Ultimately, the Salt Satyagraha contributed to the momentum of the independence struggle and hastened the process of India’s liberation from British rule.
