New Delhi, October 2: An Indian Major of the Indian army is reported killed and two Indian Other Ranks seriously wounded when a non-Muslim Convoy from Tandlianwala (West Punjab), which was being escorted by Indian army troops, came under heavy fire from an ambush on the main road.

Stating this, a military spokesman added that enquiries were being made.

A report from Amritsar (not quoted by the military spokesman) says that the convoy was proceeding to Jaranwala and that the attackers’ weapons included a Bren Gun. They are also stated to have set a booby trap.

Attacks on non-Muslim foot convoys are reported from West Punjab. A convoy from Sargodha to Lyallpur, it is reported, was attacked on September 30, resulting in casualties. Lahore military area has been requested to investigate.

It is also reported that non-Muslims were attacked at a village nine miles north of Jaranwala on the night of September 28/29.

The military spokesman said that thirty deaths a day from cholera were reported from Kurali refugee camp (Ambala). The American Medical Mission is helping the civilian authorities to check the epidemic.

Owing to floods the Balloki headworks remained closed on September 30 for non-Muslim refugees coming east. Three parties of approximately 10,000 non-Muslim refugees each, who have passed the headworks, are halted at Bhai Pheru, on the Manga-Rajajang road and Athulpur respectively. The Kasur-Gandasinghwala road is still under water. Lahore military area has been requested to route non-Muslim foot convoys to Khem Karan from Kasur.

The Military Evacuation Organisation, India, has sent 130 bags of rice, ten bags of unrefined sugar ... and 25 bags of chana to the Mangtanwala and Balloki head areas for the non-Muslim refugees moving to the Indian Dominion.

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