Not being terribly familiar with this history, I found it (Preserving stories of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh friendships through India's partition) helpful towards a better understanding, that is, if it is at all accurate. Other opinions or personal history?
The border added a geographical quotient to the existing religious distinctions made between Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, Jains and Christians, resulting in nearly 15 million people being divided from their religious community. Many left their homes to seek wholeness again in the largest mass migration that the region has seen; others stayed and fought for their rights as minorities. More than half a million people died in revenge killings, riots and communal violence from all sides.
Preserving stories of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh friendships through India's partition (msn.com)
The border added a geographical quotient to the existing religious distinctions made between Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, Jains and Christians, resulting in nearly 15 million people being divided from their religious community. Many left their homes to seek wholeness again in the largest mass migration that the region has seen; others stayed and fought for their rights as minorities. More than half a million people died in revenge killings, riots and communal violence from all sides.
Preserving stories of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh friendships through India's partition (msn.com)