Page 119 - Train to Pakistan

‘We have a dozen trucks and all you people who are going to Pakistan must
get on them in ten minutes. We have other villages to evacuate later on. The only
luggage you can take with you is what you can carry—nothing more. You can
leave your cattle, bullock carts, charpais, pitchers, and so on with your friends in

the village. If we get a chance, we will bring these things out for you later. I give
you ten minutes to settle your affairs. Then the convoy will move.’

The Muslims left their bullock carts and thronged round the jeep, protesting
and talking loudly. The Muslims officer who had stepped off the jeep went back
to the microphone.
‘Silence! I warn you, the convoy will move in ten minutes; whether you are

on it or not will be no concern of mine.’
Sikh peasants who had stood apart heard the order and went up to the Sikh

officer for advice. The officer took no notice of them; he continued staring
contemptuously over the upturned collar of his raincoat at the men, cattle, carts
and trucks steaming in the slush and rain.

‘Why, Sardar Sahib,’ asked Meet Singh nervously, ‘is not the lambardar right?
One should not touch another’s property. There is always danger of
misunderstanding.’

The officer looked Meet Singh up and down.
‘You are quite right, Bhaiji, there is some danger of being misunderstood. One
should never touch another’s property; one should never look at another’s

woman. One should just let others take one’s goods and sleep with one’s sisters.
The only way people like you will understand anything is by being sent over to
Pakistan: have your sisters and mothers raped in front of you, have your clothes

taken off, and be sent back with a kick and spit on your behinds.’
The officer’s speech was a slap in the face to all the peasants. But someone
sniggered. Everyone turned around to look. It was Malli with his five

companions. With them were a few young refugees who were staying at the Sikh
temple. None of them belonged to Mano Majra.
‘Sir, the people of this village are famous for their charity,’ said Malli smiling.

‘They cannot look after themselves, how can they look after other people? But
do not bother, Sardar Sahib, we will take care of Muslim property. You can tell
the other officer to leave it with us. It will be quite safe if you can detail some of

your soldiers to prevent looting by these people.’
There was complete confusion. People ran hither and thither shouting at the