1 year of free auto rides for Anantnag's braveheart and his kin

Valsad is running short of words of gratitude for Saleem Gafur Bhai Sheikh, the bus driver whose grit and presence of mind saved more than 50 lives during the recent terror attack in Anantnag on Amarnath pilgrims. So, as a goodwill gesture, Valsad Auto Association has announced free rides to Sheikh and his family for a year.

"His heroic act not only saved lives but also erased the differences between communities. We are proud to call him our brother," Vimal Thakor, president, Valsad Auto Association, said at a function where Sheikh was felicitated, at Vivekanand Chowk in Valsad on Wednesday.

"We are not Hindus or Muslims, we are Indians. The people he saved are his own," he said.

At the chowk, Sheikh was flocked by people, who now regard him as their hero. While some congratulated him for his bravery, a few asked how he did it, and the rest just wanted to shake hands with him. "Even children came to me asking if I was the same person who drove the bus that was attacked in Anantnag and shook hands with me," said a visibly moved Sheikh.

"This is the first time I have received so much love from the people of another community," the braveheart said, overwhelmed, but his eyes reflecting the unwavering resolve to never stop driving pilgrims to Amarnath.

Sheikh now wants to rush home and share all this with his family. "My wife Sanjida is the only person who hasn't congratulated me so far. I think she is a little shaken. All she said when I came back was how I don't take care of myself," he said.