2006 -- S 2968

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LC02874

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2006

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE PAKISTAN RESOLUTION PASSED

ON MARCH 23, 1940

     Introduced By: Senator Daniel J. Issa

     Date Introduced: March 23, 2006

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, During the period of time that India was attempting to gain their

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independence from Great Britain, the subcontinent was also torn by an internal conflict between

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its Hindu and Muslim populations. Each of these two communities wanted a separate area over

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which they could rule; and

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     WHEREAS, The Muslims of India struggled to establish a separate homeland on the

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basis of the Two Nation Theory. Despite their long association and interactions at various levels,

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the Hindus and Muslims of India had remained two separate and distinct sociocultural entities;

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and

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     WHEREAS, On March 23, 1940, the All India Muslim League, at Lahore, adopted a

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resolution calling for a separate, independent Muslim homeland. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, founder

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of Pakistan, working alongside leaders of the Indian subcontinent, freed Muslims from 200 years

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of oppression under the British rule, paving the way for millions of Muslims to consider self-rule

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and governance that would allow them to live freely according to their own religious and political

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ideologies in life; and

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     WHEREAS, This day, called "Pakistan Day," is observed in order to commemorate the

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passage of this resolution. It is a national holiday in Pakistan, celebrated throughout the country

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with parades, military air shows, patriotic singing and traditional dances; and

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     WHEREAS, After passage of the Pakistan Resolution, the Muslims of India embarked on

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a path leading to a full independent homeland. On August 14, 1947, under the provisions of the

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Indian Independence Act from Great Britain, a predominantly Muslim Pakistan was established;

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and

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     WHEREAS, Rhode Islanders of Pakistani lineage proudly remember their roots and the

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strong cultural heritage they have brought with them from throughout the four provinces of

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Pakistan; they identify with the history of Rhode Island, which was also formed on the basis of

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religious freedom over three hundred fifty years ago; they feel a kinship with the people of this

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state who are their neighbors, colleagues and friends; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby commemorates the 66th Anniversary of the adoption of the Pakistan Resolution. We

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congratulate the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as they celebrate this momentous day

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and recognize the myriad of significant contributions Pakistanis and Pak-Americans have

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provided to our communities and the State of Rhode Island.

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LC02874

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