Not informed about reward, want regular jobs, say bus staff

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Dinanagar, August 1

The driver and conductor of the Chandigarh-bound bus which was fired at by terrorists on Monday, recorded their statements with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gurdaspur, at Dinanagar police station today.

On the sidelines, they resented that their timely action was overlooked by the authorities and demanded that their services should at least be regularised.

It was the alertness and bravery of driver Nanak Chand and conductor Varinder Kumar that had saved the lives of over 75 passengers aboard the Punjab Roadways bus (PB-06-G 9569) from Janial village in the wee hours of July 27.

When questioned about the CM’s announcement for a reward of Rs 2 lakh for Nanak Chand, he said he did not know that. “Neither any local official nor any official from the government’s side has intimated me about the reward. Moreover, it was our joint effort which saved passengers. My colleague Varinder’s contribution cannot be ignored. We both are on temporary job. The government should at least put us on regular rolls,” he said.

Manmohan Singh Kang, SDM, said their statements were recorded as a part of the magisterial inquiry. “I cannot comment on any point at present as the statements of other eyewitnesses too are yet to be recorded. Some of them are injured and under treatment at hospital, so it would take some more time to reach a conclusion,” he said.

Recalling the encounter with militants
Narrating the instance, bus driver Nanak Chand said three men clad in Army uniforms signalled him to stop the bus. He said he became doubtful as they had their faces covered. “Since they were in Army uniform, I could have fallen in their trap, but my colleague Varinder (conductor), who too had doubts, blew his whistle twice signalling me to move ahead. I thus pressed the accelerator, instead of applying brakes,” he said.

It was a joint effort, says bus driver
“No official has intimated me about any reward (Chief Minister has announced Rs 2 lakh for Nanak Chand)... Moreover, it was our joint effort which saved passengers. My colleague Varinder’s contribution cannot be ignored. We both are on temporary job. The government should at least give us regular jobs,” said Nanak Chand.