LAHORE, Dec 24: Pakistani citizens who returned from India on Monday aboard Samjhota Express said tension in India was not as severe as statements issued by the Indian government suggested.

Talking to reporters on Lahore railway station, they said the Indian government and the media were trying to create a war frenzy among the otherwise calm citizens.

Sukhraj of Sukkur, who had gone to India for a Beas pilgrimage, said he and his companions had to rush back after India announced that Samjhota Express operations would be closed down from Jan 1, 2002. He opposed the decision saying this would deprive them of the opportunity to meet their relatives living in India.

Waseem Ahmad of Multan said he had planned to visit India for a month. But, he said, he had to cut short the visit as Indian media was misguiding its audience.

Abdul Jabbar, who belongs to Lahore, said he had heaved a sigh of relief after reaching Pakistan. He said he did not feel that the Indian people wanted a war with Pakistan.

Naseem Pal of Gujranwala said the situation in India was not as bad as it was being portrayed. He said nobody seemed to want a war, even suspension of the train service.