Question

Explain the main features of the Mountbatten Plan. 

Answer 1

1. The provincial assemblies of Punjab and Bengal would, by simple majority, decide on the issue of partition. If the assemblies voted for partition, there would be two dominions and two Constituent Assemblies.
2. The province of Sindh was free to take its own decision.
3. A referendum would be organized in NWFP to decide on remaining in the Indian union or the other union.
4. The Indian princely states were either to join Pakistan or the Indian union.
5. If the partition was accepted then a boundary commission would be set up.
6. Both the dominions would be independent in determining their foreign relations and about the nature of their relations with the commonwealth countries and Britain.
7. Independence would come on 15th August 1947.