LAHORE: Communal rioting broke out again in Amritsar on Friday [April 11], when Muslims after offering Juma prayers in Chow Prag Das Mosque on their way home were attacked from the neighbouring houses. Two were killed on the spot and 15 seriously wounded. Enquiries made at midnight from official sources revealed that the total casualties are 15 dead, 36 wounded. This incident was a signal for panic throughout the city and further cases of stabbing occurred. Several cases of arson have also been reported. The District Magistrate, Mr. Fraser, has clamped a 24-hour curfew on the city.

[Meanwhile, according to news agencies from Lahore,] To discuss the partition of the Punjab and several allied questions, Sardar Santosh Singh and Baba Kharak Singh, veteran Sikh leaders, convened here today [April 11], a meeting of non-Akali Sikh leaders. Sardar Sardul Singh Caveeshar, who broke into tears as he rose to speak, said in a short speech: ... “What will you do with the 20 lakhs that will be left behind?” ... “The division of the Punjab would mean an open invitation to foreigners to invade our country. The division of the Punjab would be a very short-sighted view.”

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2022