A GREAT Sankey man has reflected on his fascinating journey to Pakistan after being forced to leave his home during the Partition of India 70 years ago.

Mohammed Sadiq was just 12 when he, along with millions of others, made the trip across the nation after India was partitioned into two separate states – India and Pakistan.

India officially gained independence on August 15 1947 – a day after Pakistan.

Tuesday marked 70 years since the Partition of India, a day marked with celebration and sorrow.

Between one and two million people died as millions trekked across the country during the terrifying ordeal, with more than 10 million displaced.

Mr Sadiq, 83, had been living in Jalandhar in India but was forced to leave his home with his family to head to Pakistan.

He said: "We had no other option.

"The older people were talking about the partition in their homes so we knew it happened and we had to go.

"We went to Lahore via train and then to Faisalabad, which is where we lived. It took us two days.

"My dad, mum, sisters, brothers, and grandfather were all with me.

"I remember the train had too many people on it, it was full.

"Whatever I was wearing is all that I took with me.

"When we got to Faisalabad people working for the Government were there and were providing empty houses to people coming in – that is how we got our house."

The journey, which saw Muslims flee to Pakistan and Hindus and Sikhs head in the opposite direction, has lived long in the memories for those who survived.

But Mr Sadiq admits some of the events of 1947 are too graphic to talk about.

He said: "I saw fights along the way but I have a reason that I can't speak of them.

"Now we all have friends who are Hindus and Sikhs and to tell you what happened would be wrong.

"There was a lot of tension in 1947 because a lot of people lost family members.

"When the partition started all the trouble came and when the trouble started people wanted to separate."

Despite reaching their new homes, many believed they would soon be returning back to the living arrangements and governance they were accustomed to prior to the Indian Independence Act coming into force.

Mr Sadiq said: "First in India life was better as everyone had to start from scratch after moving.

"First we thought we would be going back home to Jalandhar once things settled."

Like many, Mr Sadiq had mixed emotions on the 70th anniversary this week.

He said: "When we think of the independence we are happy but when we look back we also get upset because of everything that happened.

"The public would like to live together as one family as it used to be, many people think it should be as it was years ago.

"When we lived together it was like a big family, there were no differences between everyone."

Mr Sadiq came to England in 1961 before moving to Warrington in 1964.

The former lorry driver returns to Pakistan each year and spoke of the stark differences from his days there as a youngster.

He added: "Life in Pakistan is very different now – it has improved so much and life is far better there than it was.

"I also really like Warrington, that is why I live here.

"The people here are nice and I enjoy the scenery in parts of the town, I really like it here."

Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid is calling for more to be done to remember those who lost their lives during the Partition of India 70 years ago.

The politician believes it is 'really important' for crucial details surrounding the historic event to be publicised as much as possible.

"The proper information has not been publicised as much as it should have been done," he said.

"So many people lost their lives at the time in 1947.

"The independence is celebrated but there needs to be a proper remembrance event too."

Mr Rashid also wants those in power in India and Pakistan to do more to tackle social inequality.

"The two-state solution that was brought in is working now," he added.

"But it breaks my heart to see how much poverty there currently is in those countries.

"Trade and technology is growing but there is so much poverty and so many homeless people there.

"The people of India and Pakistan just want to live together in peace – that is evident from living here and speaking to people from the different faith groups.

"They are all friendly and want to work together.

"But politicians in those countries use vulnerable people and use their religions to cause problems, which is very sad."

An event celebrating India's independence was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday.

The free event, which was organised by the Indian British Group of Warrington, was attended by Mayor Cllr Les Morgan, mayoress Gwyn, MP Faisal Rashid, Cllr Tony Higgins and Cllr Jean Flaherty.

It featured entertainment and a selection of light snacks.

Summit Tuli, founder of the Indian British Group of Warrington, said: "We are really pleased and honoured that so many people wanted to be part of this event and we look forward to more in the future.

"We wanted to bring everyone together to raise funds for the mayor's selected charities and to celebrate India's independence.

"But it is also important to remember all those who lost their lives.

"My great grandfather died when the Partition of India took place in 1947.

"People had to leave everything overnight when the lines were drawn and they were separated.

"It is a really heartbreaking story which we need to remember."