The Hindu : National : A long-suffering people reach out to tsunami victims

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Sunday, Jan 02, 2005

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National

A long-suffering people reach out to tsunami victims

By Our Staff Reporter

RS PURA, JAN. 1. People living along the International Border between Indian and Pakistan normally look to the rest of the country for help; this time around, they have contributed generously to help the victims of the tsunami that struck almost a week ago.

People from all walks of life are contributing to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. The belt, which was once known as the haunted zone, has had little help from the Government. Many people have lost loved ones to the violence on the border and in the Indo-Pak wars. That has not stopped them from collecting money for the tsunami victims. Mohan Lal, a resident here said: "This time we cannot provide much physical help but through our humble means will contribute to the Prime Minister's Fund."

It is the younger generation that has taken the lead in collecting the funds. Anil Chowdhary, a school principal said: "Children are themselves coming with new ideas to collect more funds. I think the main reason is the fact that these children are more sensitive to the pain of the people as they have themselves gone through difficult times. They feel it is their duty to help the people who have been victims of the natural calamity."

Ansil, a Class Nine student said: "I have collected Rs. 2000 for the Prime Minister's Fund and I plan to continue this collection drive for the next fortnight."

Farmers have joined the drive as well. After many years, life here bears a semblance of normality and farmers have had a bumper crop.

Kartar Singh, a farmer said: "I have already contributed Rs. 500 to the Prime Minister's Fund. This is a paltry contribution from poor farmers like us but we have tried to share the pain of people who suffered in the crisis."

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