**The Red Shirts movement was launched by Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan**

The Red Shirts movement was a political movement launched by Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, also known as Badshah Khan, in the early 1930s. Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. He was a follower of Gandhi's principles of non-violence and believed in the power of peaceful resistance to bring about political change.

**Background of the Red Shirts Movement**

The Red Shirts movement was primarily aimed at mobilizing the Pashtun population in the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) of British India, which is now a part of Pakistan. The Pashtuns, who are predominantly Muslim, were facing various challenges under the British colonial rule, including economic exploitation and political marginalization.

**Objectives of the Red Shirts Movement**

The Red Shirts movement had several objectives:

1. Political Mobilization: The movement aimed to mobilize the Pashtun population and raise political awareness among them. Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan believed that by organizing the people, they could collectively challenge the oppressive policies of the British government.

2. Non-violence and Civil Disobedience: The Red Shirts movement followed the principles of non-violence and civil disobedience, similar to the larger Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan believed that through peaceful resistance, they could achieve their goals and bring about social and political change.

3. Education and Social Reform: Along with political mobilization, the Red Shirts movement also focused on education and social reform. Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan established schools and educational institutions to provide education to the Pashtun population and promote social welfare.

**Impact and Legacy of the Red Shirts Movement**

The Red Shirts movement had a significant impact on the Pashtun society and the larger Indian independence movement. It inspired and mobilized thousands of Pashtuns to actively participate in the struggle for independence. The movement also played a crucial role in promoting non-violence and communal harmony in a region marked by ethnic and religious tensions.

Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan's Red Shirts movement remains an important chapter in the history of the Indian independence movement and serves as a reminder of the power of peaceful resistance in the face of oppression. His efforts in mobilizing the Pashtun population and promoting education and social reform continue to inspire generations in the region.