Hope floats with D-Day trailer at LoC bridge

The SRTC has chosen seven buses and eight young drivers, including 45-year-old Majid, for the historic journey on April 7. ‘‘It is a big responsibility on us to take the passengers safely to their separated family members,’’ said Haji.

As the bus meandered through the panoramic valleys of Uri and halted at the designated Lal Pul — first of the three strategic bridges on the Uri-Muzaffarabad road — Majid’s seniors were joined by officers of the Army and the Border Roads Organisation. Discussions veered on the size and weight of the bus, besides the luggage that needs to be put atop. Moments later, when Majid was asked to drive on the iron bridge, an SRTC staffer mounted on it, took measurement between the upper steel girder of the bridge and the bus’ top. As Majid crossed the rust-coloured bridge, curious soldiers and labourers were relieved to see the bus reach the opposite flank without touching.

Two buses will ferry passengers from Srinagar to the KDK bridge, where they will disembark and de-board buses on the other side. ‘‘It is yet to be decided who will bring the passengers from PoK to Srinagar. Though the bus that went for the test-ride looked ordinary, our department plans to decorate them like brides for the event,’’ an STRC official said.

J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s secretary Nayeem Akhtar said, ‘‘Cultural programmes giving a good account of all facets of life of Kashmiris, Dogras, Ladakhis, Gujjars, Baltis and Shinas will be organised to mark the event.’’ The Mufti government also plans to give a facelift to the townships of Baramulla and Uri. While the Dal Lake will be illuminated by candles, chirags will be released into the Jhelum river. Mufti himself might set ‘‘peace balloons’’ in the air from Adoosa, the last village on this side of the LoC. The government has hired the services of leading artist M.K. Raina to prepare a logo for the bus. Banners and buntings would also be hoisted in all major townships on the Uri road. Vyakh (verses) of legendary Kashmiri poet Nund Reshi would be inscribed on them. Raina has been asked to rope in leading cultural troupes for the event, where an estimated 2,000 guests are expected to turn up.