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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