Jatti Umra prays for its son
From Navjot Sidhu

JATTI UMRA (Amritsar), Oct 20 — "What has happened with Nawaz Sharif is too bad. He was the one who saved Pakistan and India from destruction by withdrawing forces. He avoided another war. We shiver at the thought that the army may kill him. We are doing ardas everyday at the gurdwara for his well-being and are planning an akhand path for him," says Mr Arjun Singh, who was once a close friend of Mr Nawaz Sharif.

People of the native village of Mr Sharif, Jatti Umra, situated at a distance of about 35 km from Amritsar, are worried for the safety of their "son". They say at the news of Mr Sharif being taken into custody by the army, a pall of gloom gripped the village. People gathered at his ancestral house, now a gurdwara, to pray for his well-being. "We are unable to express our feelings," says an aged man, his voice choked with emotion.

When this correspondent visited the village, people were performing ardas for Mr Sharif’s long life. They prayed that he was able to assume power again and strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Some were seen reading papers under a tree and discussing Mr Sharif's fate. People said they got together every morning and evening at the gurdwara to pray for "Nawaz, our son, friend."

Mr Arjun Singh, who visited Pakistan, on behalf of the village some time back, had tears in his eyes. "We fear they (the army) might kill him. The thought breaks our heart. What wrong did he do by withdrawing troops even if it was under pressure from the USA? He only saved two nations by doing so. We are proud of him", he said.

The womenfolk were equally articulate in their support for Mr Sharif. They said they prayed for him daily.

Mr Bali Singh, another villager, said: "Nawaz has given us a lot of love. In fact, even after partition the Sharif brothers visited the village many times and brought gifts. When we went to Pakistan to meet him, he gave us a lot of respect."

"We want other nations to come to his rescue. Even if he does not come to power, he should at least be set free," he pleaded.

A 25-year-old youth, Dilbagh Singh said most youngsters had heard stories about the Sharif family from their elders. "Nawaz is a nice man. He came here and showed a lot of love for us. He helped young boys who went across in getting jobs in Dubai," he said.

"We love him and always will," he added.