The arrest of which nationalist leader in 1930 led to large protest demonstrations in the streets of Peshawar?

Introduction / Context:
In the North West Frontier Province, the Khudai Khidmatgar movement led by Abdul Ghaffar Khan played a key role in the Indian freedom struggle. The arrest of this leader in 1930 triggered major demonstrations in Peshawar, which are remembered as important episodes of non violent resistance. Questions on this topic test familiarity with regional dimensions of the national movement.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The event is the arrest of a nationalist leader in 1930.
• The result was angry demonstrations in Peshawar.
• The options list Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Abul Kalam Azad, Zakir Husain, Muzaffar Ahmed and Khan Abdul Qayyum Khan.
• We must link the city of Peshawar and the year 1930 with the correct leader.

Concept / Approach:
Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as Frontier Gandhi, organised the Khudai Khidmatgar or Red Shirt movement among the Pashtuns. In 1930, when he was arrested, massive non violent protests broke out in Peshawar, including the famous Qissa Khwani Bazaar incident, where unarmed demonstrators faced firing. Recognising his deep connection with Peshawar and the Frontier region helps to identify him as the correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical accounts of the Civil Disobedience Movement mention that in April 1930, the arrest of Abdul Ghaffar Khan led to large demonstrations in the city of Peshawar. The firing on peaceful demonstrators at Qissa Khwani Bazaar became a symbol of non violent courage. No other leader in the options has this specific association with Peshawar in 1930, which confirms our choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Abul Kalam Azad: A major national leader and scholar, but not the central figure in the Peshawar protests of 1930.
• Zakir Husain: Educator and later President of India, not directly connected with the Frontier protests of that year.
• Muzaffar Ahmed: Linked with communist activities, not with Peshawar demonstrations triggered by this arrest.
• Khan Abdul Qayyum Khan: A political figure from the region but not the leader whose arrest in 1930 set off the demonstrations mentioned in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different Frontier leaders or mix up events of the Civil Disobedience Movement with later developments. To avoid this, it helps to remember a simple association: Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Khudai Khidmatgar, Peshawar and Qissa Khwani Bazaar protests in 1930 all belong together.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Abdul Ghaffar Khan.