‘We would like to apprise you of the fact that many overseas Chinese from different countries of the world have returned to China already. To rehabilitate these returnees, our government has taken different measures. The returnees will have to follow the new rules and regulations of our country. Special arrangements have been made to get them acquainted with the system of the People’s Republic of China. This is a communist country. Everyone has to work for a living. You will have to work, too. Keeping in mind that you can work in an organised way and can live together, The Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission of our State Council has formed some ‘special category farms’. You will have to work there like the locals of our country who work in the state farms. You will get wages. However, you will get some extra facilities. For you the farms have already been arranged. One is in Jiayi. The other one –’

‘But none of us knows any farming,’ Mok Min stood up.

‘If you don’t, you will have to learn. We will provide experts. However, not all of you will be taken to the farms.’

Instantly an unknown fear weighed heavy on their hearts. This was a familiar tune! It was surely not an indication of anything good.

‘At the time of registration we noted down details about each of you – your education, your work, your interests, etc. After sorting through the information, it has been decided who would be given what work to perform. However, temporarily, most of you will be placed in the farms. Later on, you will be placed in jobs suiting your ability. Now the list will be read out which will tell you who is going where and what work he will have to do.’

Holding a sheaf of paper, an aged man stood up.