E-Paper
Drivers' families ask govt to ensure safe return
On Thursday, 27-year-old Sumeet Pal Singh called his parents to inform them of his well-being, while on his way to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The family has been waiting to hear from him since then. Singh was a part of the convoy that crossed over to PoK on Friday as part of the trade agreement between the two separated parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
On Thursday, 27-year-old Sumeet Pal Singh called his parents to inform them of his well-being, while on his way to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The family has been waiting to hear from him since then.
Singh was a part of the convoy that crossed over to PoK on Friday as part of the trade agreement between the two separated parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
"We haven't heard from him since Thursday, and our parents are extremely upset and worried," said Sumeet's brother Chotu Singh.
The Singhs are transporters from Baramulla who have gone across Line of Control (LoC) with two of their trucks. "Two of our trucks have been detained. The other truck is being driven by our driver Jameel Ahmad from Uri," he added.
According to Chotu, Ahmad's young wife and children were constantly in touch with him for any news from across the border. "What does one tell them. I guess they are not allowed even one phone call," he said.
Meanwhile, a trade leader associated with cross-LoC trade, Hilal Turkey, said, "We want the tension to de-escalate soon. Even the 48 drivers from across the border are not happy about the stand-off," said Turkey, general secretary of the Salamabad-Chakoti traders' association. "Our association is taking care of all their needs, including food and stay," he added.
