The evacuation drive initiated by the Punjab Government on the Union Home Ministry’s orders following Indian “surgical strikes” in Pakistan appeared to be slowing down as villagers, in many districts, refused to leave homes, and decided to stay back. Even those who made a panicky exit a day before, returned on Friday. The State Government has ordered evacuation of nearly 1000 villages falling within 10 km of the border in six districts of the state — Pathankot, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, and Fazilka — sharing 553-km long border with Pakistan. While tens of thousands of people decided to leave their homes and moved to safer places on Thursday fearing “war”, nearly 40 per cent decided either to stay back, or are hesitant to leave their homes and farms with a harvest ready paddy crop. Although the people are abiding the orders and moving out of their villages, they don’t know where to head next. At many places, the official help is still awaited. Many people are moving to stay with their relatives and friends.
Taking cue from the 1999’s Kargil War, many decided to stay back. “We were asked to evacuate during Kargil War too…but nothing happened here at that time…But we lost our belongings and cattle as they were looted,” said a resident of Dera Baba Nanak.
The government has made arrangements in gurudwaras, dharamshalas, schools, marriage palaces, and other places.
Notwithstanding the government’s claims of making all arrangements to provide food and shelter to the evacuees besides protecting their properties, the villagers rued the lackadaisical attitude of the administration at many places.
The villagers lamented that they were forced to make arrangements by themselves for transporting and lodging. “No one is there to protect our belongings…we can’t leave them here for thieves…that is why we decided to stay back,” said a resident of Daoke village in Amritsar.
As the villagers first decided to evacuate women and kids, their cattle, crop and property is lying unattended.