The international community reacted as well. America announced its acceptance of the McMahon Line. The prime minister of the United Kingdom had denounced the Chinese aggression. Speaking at the House of Commons, he pledged Britain’s support to India and sent across arms and ammunition. Canada, too, offered military aid to India. The Dalai Lama, who had taken political asylum in India, also denounced the Chinese attack. Russia, however, expressed its support for China. Pakistan warned the Western nations who offered military support to India that their foreign policy might turn pro-Moscow if things continued like that.

In the internal sphere, there was a new development. Both the opposition and ruling parties stood against Defence Minister Krishna Menon and demanded his removal and that India snap ties with China.

At the same time, people had started expressing their aversion against Communists in public. Incidents of stone-pelting at meetings organized by Communists, burning effigies of Chow En Lai and other Communist leaders and boycotting Communists became increasingly common.

While the student body in Makum led by Ananta welcomed the soldiers going to the front, all the parties except the CPI assembled at the Makum playground. Every speaker was jeering against the Communists, calling them fifth columns and anti-Indian.

At both these gatherings, there was no one from Cheenapatti. They had assembled in the Chinese school compound. The president of the Chinese society, Ho Chang Ho, had convened a meeting in the school. All the important people, as well as the heads of all the organizations of Makum and the government officials had been invited. Ananta and the other student leaders were also among the invitees. All the Chinese, and the people of Chinese origin of Makum and the surrounding areas, were present at the meeting. They were sitting on the tarpaulin spread out in the courtyard with a worried look. Ahlin was waiting for Ananta. She hadn’t seen him in the last ten days, although she had been to the school every day to attend the coaching classes.

‘Ahlin!’ Chow Chi Yong, the headmaster, called out.

‘We have to take down these photographs. Call a few of the boys for help.’

‘Why do we have to take them down, sir?’

Chow Chi Yong did not answer.

‘What’s happened?’ Alan asked her.

‘Sir wants us to take down these pictures.’

‘Why?’

‘I don’t know. Let us call Dulal ako and some others.’

After a while Dulal Yem and Hong came up to the verandah.

‘Oh God! Look who’s here – my heart is going to break any minute!’ Mei Hang cried out.

Hong turned to look at the group of girls and spotted Mei Hang hiding behind Siu. He smiled. He knew what was on her mind. But she didn’t know what was in his.

‘I will let her know,’ Hong thought to himself, as he went up to the verandah.