Samjhauta Express arrives at Attari station with bag of mixed feelings

With no end to the simmering tension between India and Pakistan, Samjhauta Express, the common man’s train shuttling between the two nations, reached India with passengers carrying a mixed bag of feelings.

As some said that they have cut short their tour out of fear, a few others said that there was calm among public. However, the major message that came through from the passengers was that people in Pakistan want peace.

Coming from Karachi and heading to Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, Pakistani national Benish said, “The tension looks more big on the social media. There is not much tension among the people of Pakistan. I would just say that people of Pakistan do not want any kind of war. Peace is the only way ahead for both nations and we must restrain from war.” There is no fear. Had their been any sort of fear, how would have I come at this time, she added.

However, septuagenarian Indian national Iqbal Ahmad, who had gone to meet his relatives, said, “I have many relatives in Pakistan and I would have liked to stay there for long. But, I cut short my journey out of fear. I have rushed that the ongoing problem doesn’t escalate.” The train came after Thursday, the day when the Indian Army announced to have done a surgical strike across the LOC.

HINDU FAMILY WANTS TO STAY IN INDIA

Reaching India to celebrate Navratras, Dyal Dass, a Pakistani Hindu, said, “I have come here to celebrate Navratras. Yes, fear is there in Pakistan and especially for those in minority. I would say that if Indian government allows, I would like to stay back in India permanently.” Talking on the current situation, Dass, however mentioned that things are not good and there is fear after the tension between India and Pakistan. But, we want peace so that the region stays progressive, he added.

CROSS-BORDER COUPLE KEEPS FINGERS CROSSED

The Samjhauta Express that brought various passengers to India also brought in a cross-border couple Nadeem and Naadia.

Coming to India, Nadeem, who belongs to Pakistan, said, “My wife is Indian and I have many relatives here. Such a situation between the two countries brings a lot of tension to our family. If relations go worse, it will even be tough to visit each other,” he added.

Naadia said, “I will be very tough situation if relations go worse. I cannot leave my relatives who are on both sides.”

Mohammad Khalid, another Pakistani national said, “There is lot being said by politicians and media but reality is that people want peace. Such a fearful situation is not good for the common man, who has roots across the fence.”

PASSENGER MOVEMENT DOESN’T DROP

Even though there is tension, but this is yet no effect on the movement of passengers.

The Samjhauta Express came from Pakistan with 156 passengers and left for Pakistan with about 135 passengers. An official said, “There is no major change in passenger number. In routine also such a number comes and goes. There is no considerable increase or decrease.”