As evacuation begins along Punjab border, villagers tense but ‘not scared’
Following orders for evacuation of Punjab villages within a 10 km radius of the International Border, panic and tension was seen among the villagers wo are being evacuated.
“It is good that India has hit back at Pakistan as our innocent soldiers were killed in the Uri attack,” 70-year-old Suba Singh says in Daoke village on the India-pakistan border in Amritsar district.
Following orders for evacuation of Punjab villages within a 10 km radius of the international border, panic and tension was seen among the villagers who are being evacuated, but most betrayed no fear.
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He further says people in the village, which is right on the fence, are unhappy too as they are being displaced again. The village had faced tough times during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan.
Sukhdev Singh, who is his 70s, is sitting with his friends on a village street in the afternoon. When reporters talk about the current tension and also the strike by India, Sukhdev stands up from his chair and appreciates the Modi regime. “Our innocent soldiers were killed in Uri. It is a very good step that this government has taken now. A strong message has been sent to Pakistan and we appreciate it.”
“I have seen the wars of 1965 and 1971. The Indian troops had hit them hard then, and this time also if something happens, we are very strong,” he adds.
Similarly, Kudeep Singh of the same village, who is all smiles says, “There is no tension. My son is in the army and it is a great reply the troops have given. Only women and children are leaving . We have seen wars earlier too and this time is no different,” he adds.
But Angrej Singh,another villager, asks, ““Human beings can be moved but what about our crop and our animals?”
Tarn Taran MLA Harmeet Sandhu reached the village to oversee the evacuation process.