Transcript in English

Question: Where did they live exactly?

Answer: No, not in 71, I was wrong. When Hindustan-Pakistan happened, that was the time when Bangladesh was East Pakistan. That is when they went. At the time of the Liberation War, my paternal aunt’s son was in hiding. They were very afraid then, my father said. They remained under the shadow of fear, 20 lakh or 8 lakh people died, I’ve heard. Don’t know. My paternal aunt’s brother was also inducted into the War, to kill the Pathans. To drive out the Pakistanis. My father had related these stories to us.

Question: So, when your paternal aunt went, it was still the days of East Pakistan, right? After migrating, do you know how she fared there?

Answer: She lived well. That was the time of Mujibur Rahman. They were Bengali-speaking people; the others were Urdu-speaking or Farsi-speaking, I don’t know. It was to drive them out that the War began. Sheikh Mujibur for the love of Bengali language. I have heard from my father. I also know the story of Mujibur and Yayha Khan. The conflict was between Yayha Khan and Mujibur. Then, Indira Gandhi also helped. This nation – Bangladesh – was made possible with her support.

Question: So, after India gained Independence, you didn’t have contact with any of your relatives who went to East Pakistan?

Answer: No, I didn’t. But my father went.

Question: Have you heard from your father, which route they took?

Answer: They would go via Putni Bagan.

9.00-9.59

Question: You have heard all the stories from your father?

Answer: Yes, from my father.

Question: Have you ever heard from your father that he didn’t like his situation?

Answer: No, nothing of the sort. Only, he felt bad at the time of the Bangladesh War. He said that. So many people died. 20 lakh died. My paternal aunt’s son was taken away to fight in the Liberation War.

Question: Ok, as you said, your father was taken away by the British, do you remember those stories?

Answer: I do remember. My father said, when we grew up, we didn’t need visas then, but they went to war with Japan, and they needed manpower and conscription. Not just my father, they forcefully took away many other men from the village. Saying, they have to go. Creating a kind of pressure. That they have to go. He fought with fear in his heart, but didn’t die. Just drove out the Pakistanis.

11.23-12.00

Answer: When Pakistan happened, the Hindus became afraid and came here; some Muslims in India, too, thought similarly, that this is now Hindustan, and they too got afraid and left, not all, a few.

Question: There was an exchange of population?

Answer: My father and grandfather refused to leave, saying they will die for India; we have driven out the British from India, and now we are going to stay.

Question: What was the name of your paternal aunt?

Answer: I have forgotten her name. Sobdera or Akita, I can’t remember.

Let me tell you one thing. When we had that NRC, some 2 or 3 years ago, my paternal aunt had her name listed there. Her full name. The list has her name, her son-in-law’s name, her son’s name.

Question: In the Indian NRC?

Answer: Yes, in the Indian NRC. But they are now different, meaning that list was published

Question: Then you have your paternal aunt’s name through the legacy of your father?

Another male voice: The name is there in 51’s legacy?

Answer: The name is there in 51’s main legacy. But they are not being uprooted, not required. Now they are in Bangladesh, and quite content to live there. Means, when I took out the 51’s legacy, I found her name also there. I also have a record from the time of Queen Victoria in my home. It’s still there.

Question: When your paternal aunt went to East Pakistan, do you know which place, which road, which area she went through? And did she face any trouble during her journey? Do you remember hearing anything about it?

1.20-2.30

Answer: My father said, there was no problem. They had gone there absolutely free. There was no barbed wire then, nothing of the sort. When India helped Bangladesh, it was like being part of the same country. They went to East Pakistan. After the 71 War… no, after 73… after that, my elder paternal uncle said, you have come here a long time, please take some money and go. He said, nothing is left of my money, I would have loved to buy gifts for the children. They never met again. My paternal aunt died.

Question: The one who came to India. Did he live directly in the house, or as a refugee?

Answer: His name was Madhab Thikadar. He said, take our house and give us yours.

Question: Which house was given by Madhab Thikadar?

Answer: That Madhab Thikadar gave… the name of that village was Shilwa. And he was given in Kukirtal.

Question: Is that in India?

Answer: Yes, Kukirtal is in India. At the time of East Pakistan, there was exchange of properties.