January 1, 2002	Tuesday	Shawwal 16, 1422

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LAHORE, Dec 31: Evacuation from border areas picked up pace on Monday as air, rail and road transport between India and Pakistan was suspended indefinitely.

By Monday, almost entire population of the villages and dwellings in the zero line area had left for safer places across the BRB Canal. Residents of Thatha Dhilwan, Khara Khoh, Mangli Dera, Thatha Tararan, Echogil, Bismian, Labhanwala, Wagah, Keerwala, Bhaseen and Thathi Kauda were fast moving out their belongings. Nearly two thirds of the residents, mostly women, children and the elderly, had already left. A member or two of each family, however, remained there to look after the cattle.

The residents seemed to be under the impression that there would be no war while the road and rail links were operative. The suspension of both the cross border train and the bus and reported death of two Indian soldiers in landmine explosions in the Batapur sector, however, persuaded most people to leave.

Faryad Ali Butt of Thatha Dhilwan claimed, however, that some people who had earlier shifted to safer areas were returning on account of various difficulties. He said the people were eager to fight against the enemy and demanded that the government should provide them with arms.

Zafar Iqbal of Khara Khoh said the evacuation had started in earnest after two explosions across the border near Kunjri Pul. He said depressing news on radio and TV channels, too, was a factor.

Muhammad Ali of Thatha Tararan said they had a faster mode of transportation this time — tractor trolleys — than in 1965 and 1971. He said the villagers were still undecided about leaving.

Shaukat Ali of Bismian said the government was neither encouraging them to move to safer places nor stopping them from doing so. As a precaution, he said, they had sent the women and children to relatives across the BRB Canal. He remembered that during the 1965 and 1971 wars, the hosts, particularly relatives, used to offer free meals. The attitudes had, however, changed, he said, and one was afraid even of losing one’s belongings.

Maqbool Ahmad, carrying household items in a trolley, said he had already transport