The continuous firing from across the border by Pakistan led the villagers, living close to the border, to flee for safer places. While migrating, they could only carry with them little ration, that got exhausted within days of their being ousted from their homes.

With the passage of time, the condition of the migrants from villages like Pallanwala, Khour, Panjtoor, Chapriyal, Milan di Khui and Chak Malal of Chhamb border, camping at Domana Middle School and Muthi Government School turned pathetic, with people left with hardly a grain to eat.

Though the government officials and politicians made the `mandatory' rounds of these camps, assuring the migrants of immediate relief. But till date no help has arrived. It was only yesterday that the government announced a relief package for themigrants. However, the bureaucratic red tapism is likely to delay the distribution and there was no evidence of any progress is this front. With the government offices closed for the next two days, Saturday and Sunday, the relief measures are expected only from Monday.

And as always, when the government turned a blind eye to the plight of the migrants, it was the voluntary organisations, who came to their aid.

``These businessmen are messiahs for us. It is because of their timely help, that our children are alive. Otherwise the false promises by government had almost led us to begging. As that was the only option left with us to keep our kitchen fire burning,'' said Major Ram, a 75-year-old migrant from Chak Maral. He also said that though there had been repeated announcements in the media about the decision of the govt to provide relief to the migrants, nothing has been done in that direction so far.

The business community of Jammu region pooled money, so that it could organise langarsfor the people putting up at various makeshift camps.

The J J Market Traders Association, for the past one week is providing free food to the residents of Chhamb border at three camps in Muthi and Domana. About 10-12 traders reach the camps every day and distribute rice and dal among the migrants, who eagerly await their arrival. On seeing the efforts of J J Traders, other voluntary organisations have also come forward and are distributing eatables at other camps.

It is the spirit of nationhood that has made these organisations come forward and organise langars for the displaced persons. When asked about the daily expenditure on these langars, Dharam Veer Jain, convenor of the JJ Market Traders Association, refused to disclose anything, saying,``This is a gift of love from us to our countrymen, who are in trouble. And a gift has no cost.''

When this reporter reached the Domana camp, the clock was ticking 12.30 pm, the eyes of each and every child, holding plate, were glued to themain entrance of the camp, eagerly waiting for the langar party. As the van carrying the food arrived, a wave of happiness ran among the youngsters.

``The Government should not forget that we are true nationals, who for the past 50 years are suffering but have never complained. But by neglecting us during these critical times, the government has hurt our sentiments,'' complained Santo Devi of village Chapriyal.

However, her husband Sukh Ram intervened and said, ``After seeing the dedication and love shown by the voluntary workers, I am happy that the spirit of patriotism is still alive. And I can confidently say that under such a situation nothing on this earth can harm India.''