Attackers Use Bren Gun and Set Booby Trap

Partition unleashed the biggest human mass migration in a non-war situation in world history. It saw large numbers of Hindus from what was now Pakistan, headed towards India, and many Muslims from various parts of India making their way to Pakistan. The fraught communal situation created by widespread slaughter and mayhem on both sides meant that the refugees, too, could come under attack 8212; long after Independence was formally ushered in. A report carried in The Indian Express of October 2, 1947

New Delhi, October 2: An Indian Major of the Indian army is reported killed and two Indian Other Ranks seriously wounded when a non-Muslim Convoy from Tandlianwala West Punjab, which was being escorted by Indian army troops, came under heavy fire from an ambush on the main road.

Stating this, a military spokesman added that enquiries were being made.

A report from Amritsar not quoted by the military spokesman says that the convoy was proceeding to Jaranwala and that the attackers8217; weapons included a Bren Gun. They are also stated to have set a booby trap.

Attacks on non-Muslim foot convoys are reported from West Punjab. A convoy from Sargodha to Lyallpur, it is reported, was attacked on September 30, resulting in casualties. Lahore military area has been requested to investigate.

It is also reported that non-Muslims were attacked at a village nine miles north of Jaranwala on the night of September 28/29.

The military spokesman said that thirty deaths a day from cholera were reported from Kurali refugee camp Ambala. The American Medical Mission is helping the civilian authorities to check the epidemic.

Owing to floods the Balloki headworks remained closed on September 30 for non-Muslim refugees coming east. Three parties of approximately 10,000 non-Muslim refugees each, who have passed the headworks, are halted at Bhai Pheru, on the Manga-Rajajang road and Athulpur respectively. The Kasur-Gandasinghwala road is still under water. Lahore military area has been requested to route non-Muslim foot convoys to Khem Karan from Kasur.

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The Military Evacuation Organisation, India, has sent 130 bags of rice, ten bags of unrefined sugar 8230; and 25 bags of chana to the Mangtanwala and Balloki head areas for the non-Muslim refugees moving to the Indian Dominion.

A bridge on the Mangtanwala-Balloki road has collapsed and no movement of motor transport is possible on that stretch.

A second part of a foot-convoy of 50,000 non-Muslims from Kalaswala Sialkot district has reached Dera Baba Nanak. It may be remembered that this convoy was split into two owing to bad weather. The first half of this convoy is already in Dera Baba Nanak.

A convoy of 15,000 Muslims passed through Amritsar to Wagah yesterday without incident. There are 15,000 Muslim refugees at Beas. A part of this concentration is expected to move to Kilchain today8230;

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Our New Delhi Correspondent states that reliable reports received from Amritsar indicate that on September 26, two thousand non-Muslim refugees were killed in an attack near Tandlianwala, 25 miles west of Lyallpur. The escort opened fire on raiders killing a small number. This refugee convoy was reported to be coming from Sargodha side. Some other attacks on non-Muslim convoys are reported from West Punjab. At one place the District Magistrate refused help when approached and it is understood that a complaint has been lodged with the Pakistan authorities.