Author: Rashmi Talwar
Publication: The Tribune
Date: October 24, 2001
URL: http://www.tribuneindia.com/20011024/punjab1.htm#8
Passenger rush in the Samjhauta
Express drastically came to an all-time low here today in the aftermath
of US strikes on Afghanistan. Four Hindu Pakistani families arrived here
to look for opportunities to migrate from trouble-torn Jacobabad.
Unwilling to be named for fear of
retaliation and even elimination, the families are from Jacobabad which
has gained importance due to its air base being used for strikes by the
USA. Manish (all names changed) a kiryana merchant from Chaman in Baluchistan
near the air base, after much coercing said his wife and a year-old daughter,
along with his mother, were his main "burden". His shop was set afire early
this month when the USA began the airstrikes. Since then he had been trying
for visas to India.
Pawan (23) also travelled with his
three-year-old son, as did Hira Lal and Shikhono. They revealed that they
were seeking admissions for their children in India.
Jacobabad air base has a Hindu population
of approximately 25,000 and several Sikh families.
Rajo, travelling with her husband
and aged mother, wore her 'mangalsutra' only after reaching India fearing
identification of being "kafir". Hindu women hardly ever step out of their
house there. Even navratras are celebrated quietly. It was revealed that
girls of Hindu/Sikh families were in great fear of molestation by angry
Taliban who were present in large numbers and incite their Pakistani counterparts
to "teach the kafirs a lesson".
One passenger revealed that the
Pakistan police scouted Hindu temples and gurdwaras, hence even women were
discouraged to visit religious paces. Hindus and Sikhs were blackmailed
and a "hafta" was imposed on them if they undertook any construction activity,
however, minor. Teja Singh (67) cut short his visit to Pakistan to rush
back to India. "If trouble did not break out there I would have sought
extension again and again for my visa", he said.
Meanwhile, according to intelligence
sources only about 350 passengers arrived here.
