As the news of Nawaz Sharif's victory in Pakistan's general elections flashed on TV screens, people of this nondescript village from where his forefathers had migrated before partition, erupted in joy.
The natives of Jatti Umra village hoped that after Sharif will take over the reign of Pakistan, relations between both the neighbouring countries would improve for better.
As the counting of votes began in Pakistan today, villagers assembled at village Gurdwara, which they claim was constructed on the land of Sharif's ancestors, and performed 'ardas' (prayer as per Sikh rituals) for his third victory.
The inhabitants of this sleepy village of Tarn Taran, the neighbouring district of Amritsar, closely watched the election results and distributed sweets when it became clear that Sharif's party was heading for major lead.
Villagers said Sharif's forefathers had migrated to East Punjab (now Pakistan) in 1933 in search of greener pastures.
Though there is no ancestral home of the Sharif's here at Jatti Umra but land on which Gurdwara was located belonged to the Sharif family, a villagers said.
Sharif's family had migrated to Lahore before partition where he was born.
"The villagers were extremely happy with the landslide victory of party of Nawaj Sharif," said Dilbag Singh Umra, an inhabitant of Jatti Umra.
"Villagers are glued to TV screen since morning and eagerly awaiting for his oath taking ceremony," he said.
Last year on December 13, 2012, the hopes of villagers of Jatti Umra to get a chance to meet Sharif were dashed after his visit was cancelled.
