Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
"Direct Action Day" was a significant political event initiated by the All-India Muslim League in 1946. It marked a decisive shift in the League's strategy from constitutional negotiation to mass agitation to achieve the demand for a separate nation, Pakistan, following the failure of the Cabinet Mission Plan negotiations.
Statement 1 is Correct:
On July 29, 1946, the Muslim League withdrew its acceptance of the Cabinet Mission Plan due to disagreements with the Congress over the grouping clause and the interim government formation. Consequently, M.A. Jinnah passed a resolution declaring August 16, 1946, as "Direct Action Day" to win Pakistan and to protest against the British government's alleged betrayal of Muslim interests.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
The demonstrations did not remain peaceful. The day witnessed unprecedented communal violence, particularly in Calcutta (now Kolkata). This event is historically known as the "Great Calcutta Killings," where thousands of people lost their lives within a few days. It marked the beginning of the bloodiest phase of communal riots in British India.
Statement 3 is Correct:
The communal violence that began in Calcutta triggered a chain reaction across other parts of India. Following the Calcutta riots, violence spread to Noakhali and Tipperah (rural East Bengal), which then provoked retaliatory riots in Bihar. Eventually, the communal fire spread to the United Provinces (specifically Garhmukteshwar) and later to the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province.
Key Takeaway:
Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946) instigated the "Great Calcutta Killings" and initiated a cycle of widespread communal violence across Bengal, Bihar, and UP, making the partition of India increasingly inevitable.