archive: Truck drivers: Angels behind the wheels who keep supply lines
Truck drivers: Angels behind the wheels who keep supply lines
Sumir Kaul
The Observer
June 14, 1999
Title: Truck drivers: Angels behind the wheels who keep supply lines
alive
Author: Sumir Kaul
Publication: The Observer
Date: June 14, 1999
They are the angels for the shell-stricken inhabitants of villages
dotted within shouting distance from the Line of Control (LoC) in the
Kargil and Drass sectors witnessing fierce fighting between the Indian
Army and the Pakistan-backed intruders from across the International
Border.
They try to beat Pakistani artillery shells and barrage of bullets
screaming over head by driving trucks at break-neck speed on highly
dangerous tracks to carry supplies of essential commodities to these
needy villagers.
Though these truck drivers match the bravery of Indian Army's soldiers
inch by inch, they are an unsung lot. However, they have no
complaints and are carrying out their job for the country without any
qualms.
"We are also scared of death but have to move tonnes of food, kerosene
and other essential commodities to the villages, without which the
inhabitants would die of hunger," said Gurnam Singh, who regularly
ferries ration on this treacherous mountain road.
This correspondent witnessed the pitiable plight of a driver while
moving back to Srinagar from Kargil.
A truck was struck on the Zojila Pass with a broken axle. On spotting
our approaching car, the driver signalled in every possible manner to
make us stop. The first thing he asked for was whether we had some
food. When he got an affirmative reply, he pleaded with folded hands
to leave the excess food with him.
On enquiring, Mr Bhushan, the truck driver, said since the axle had
broken, he will have to spend whole night on this difficult terrain.
"Kya Karein, Desh Ke Liye Qurbani To Deni Padti Hai (What to do, we
have to make sacrifice for the country)," he said, adding no help will
come before morning when possibly the road opening party of the Army
will arrive.
Obliged, the driver turns back, shivering in cold, as his assistant
tries to light a fire, so that they can sustain the biting cold. The
duo were humming a popular patriotic song from a Bollywood blockbuster
apparently trying to draw some warmth from their patriotism.
Mr Subash, who carries ration for the Army, says the drivers are more
afraid of the inhospitable terrain rather than enemy bullets. "We
want that our load should reach our troops who are fighting the enemy
from across the border," he adds.
After completing a treacherous journey of 12 km on the Zojila Pass,
which is a battle of nerves for a driver due to its steep heights and
sharp curves, these truck drivers take some rest at Ghumri before
resuming their journey ahead to complete duty.
"We are not afraid of the Pakistani shelling and if we get killed due
to it we will be happy that our life was sacrificed for the nation,"
says Mr Abdul Qadir.
Attired in their traditional Punjabi dress or Khan suits, the truck
drivers spend their time when they are not driving or sleeping,
singing folk songs dB a military police jawan gives the go-ahead
signal for their onward journey to the Kargil sector where the Army
and Air Force are fighting an intense battle with the intruders from
across the border.
These Trucks speed up to-wards their destination amidst slogan
shouting like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai.'
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