Hindus & Sikhs evacuated from W. Punjab

New Delhi, Dec.4. –

Mass evacuation of Hindus and Sikhs from West Punjab has been completed within the allotted time. There remain about 5,000 people scattered in small pockets whose evacuation is expected to be completed in about a week’s time.

Over 8 million refugees have crossed the Indo-Pakistan border in both directions upto November 21, according to the Ministry of Relief and Rehabilitation. Of this a little over 4 million consisted of Hindus and Sikhs who were brought over to India from West Punjab, the NWFP, Sind and Baluchistan. The evacuation of the remaining Hindus and Sikhs from West Punjab and the NWFP is expected to be completed by the middle of December.