INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
UTTARKASHI: When Vikram Singh spoke to his brother Pushkar, who's been stuck inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi for more than 150
hours after a part of it collapsed on Sunday, the first thing the latter said was: "Bhai, don't tell Ma that I am one of those stuck here."
Communication through the pipe, drilled into the debris to also supply dry fruits and medicine, was strained but there was no mistaking
Pushkar's primary concern.Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Rescue work halted again as loud cracking sound is heard, workers trapped since 6
days'Mother will be worried if you tell the truth': Worker to brotherThe other thing the 25-year-old construction worker whispered, too weak
to talk and exhausted from the six days and nights that he has spent in the airless, lightless cave, was, "I'm fine
Our mother will be worried if you tell her the truth."Vikram, a resident of Chhani Goth village in Champawat district, sobbed after talking
"I got a chance to speak to him for a short while on Friday
All that he's worried about is not making our mother upset."He said, "We only had a few seconds to talk, so I quickly asked about his
health and informed him about the ongoing rescue operation outside..
Being the younger one, he is more beloved to her."Vikram, who works as a helper in Uttarakhand Roadways, came to know about the incident
from news that he read and immediately rushed to Uttarkashi without saying anything about the mishap to his elderly parents
But excited neighbours came home recently and told the couple about it
"They are in deep shock now," Vikram said
It was Pushkar then, who could not be told that his mother was devastated.Those engaged in the rescue operation have been constantly
communicating with the 41 people - not 40 as earlier believed - stuck inside the tunnel to boost their morale
Mohammed Rizwan, who was engaged in welding work at the tunnel, said, "We are at it
We keep sending word in, inquiring about their health
But all of them have just one question: 'When will you bring us out?'"WatchWatch: Heart-wrenching account of worker trapped in Uttarkashi
