JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 13

Srinagar to Delhi

It was 24 July, 2001.

I was returning from  a two days tour of Srinagar, capital of  Jammu and Kashmir.

In connection with the membership verification in BSNL, I had gone to Srinagar, J and K.  Kashmir was in a turbulent situation due to terrorists and no meetings were being held there by any trade union for a long time. After discussing with the union leaders there, it was decided to hold the meeting, whatever happens.

 Com. A.R.Tak, Circle Secretary ITEU, welcomed me at Srinagar airport. Meeting was for the formation of BSNLEU Circle Union by merging T.III, ITEU, Administrative and  E.III(N) unions and preparing for verification. Despite grave situation, more than 200 comrades participated. A good police force with two jeeps full of them, including senior officers were present. BSNL Circle Union was formed with  Coms. V.K.Mahaldar as President and Nizar Ahmed as Circle Secretary. Addressed a well attended seminar. There was no problem by the terrorists. It was told by our comrades later,that after our meeting, various other orgnisations also started holding meetings.

BSNL IQ was booked for stay, but Com.Nizar Ahmed took me to his home, stating that home is safe and not IQ. I could feel the tension in their  faces. Com. Tak was also staying in a portion of the house. As the system in Kashmir, we all took our tasty dinner prepared by Mrs. Nizar sitting on the beautiful carpet in the kitchen and discussing organisational matters. Only vegetarian food,  as a special consideration to me.

Next day, there was another  meeting in the morning. By the time meeting was over, it was time to move to Airport to catch my flight. Started by car, but it was stopped at many points by para military / military forces. There was a blast that day and every vehicle  was being checked and searched. Just about half km from the airport, the car stopped. There were at least 20 vehicles in front of our vehicle. The para-military forces had blocked the road and no vehicle was being allowed to proceed to the Airport without full strict check. The check-in time at the airport might be  almost over, and I got worried. Got down from the car with my bag, walked up to the barricade and crossed it after check by the military. I requested one person who was proceeding to the airport after check, to give a lift since my car was far behind. He agreed and took me to the Airport.

My ticket was not confirmed, but I was told at the time of booking that it would most probably be confirmed later. I went to the ticket counter to find out whether my ticket is confirmed. 5 – 6 persons were in queue, but when I told them that my flight was almost to start, they allowed me to proceed and check with the counter clerk. Luckily ticket has been confirmed. I thanked the comrade who accompanied me and moved to the entry gate.

It was at this moment that the young man who gave me the  lift came and said that he has got extra luggage than will be allowed to be carried and whether I can help by taking some, since I did not have any big luggage. I was in two minds. I did not know the person and did not know what is inside the  luggage and I may be in danger if I carry the same. On the other side, had he not helped, I would not have reached the  airport at all.

I took the risk, took the luggage with me and moved to the entry gate. The airport security stopped me, pointing out  that the luggage is not mine and  he has seen what happened just then and it cannot be carried by me. I had no other go but to return the same to the young man. Then I was allowed inside. I was relieved that the crisis  was over.

I went inside, got the boarding pass and boarded the flight. The young man also came and was in my next seat. He was not angry at all. I asked him what happened. He laughed and told me that  there was no problem except strict checking and had only to pay extra charge for the extra luggage.

After all I was relieved that I will be able to attend the meeting with the Communications Minister next day, arranged by Com. T.Govindan M.P.

However the meeting did not take place as Smt. Phoolan Devi, dacoit turned M.P., was murdered in front of her bunglow on Ashoka Road, New Delhi, and the  city was in turmoil.

V A N Namboodiri  18.10.2024