WHEN Badshah, a camel took a turn near the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah’s residence at high security Gupkar, he completed his 300 KM arduous journey—on foot from Jammu.
 It took Badshah and his owner Farid Khan six days to cover the distance—braving bone chilling cold and continuous vehicular traffic on the mountainous Srinagar-Jammu highway. 
 Farid has brought Badshah to Srinagar for selling it for sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha.
 “As his name signifies, Badshah walked really like a king from Jammu. All along the way he received a rousing reception,” says Farid as he gently pulled Badshah’s rein.
 Loaded with his best food—grass, wheat husk and oats, visibly tired, six- feet tall Badshah strolled through the Gupkar road which houses quarters and residences of many VIPs. But there were no takers for him except the journalists who took his snaps from all possible angles.
 The cops guarding the houses of VIPs could not resist from capturing Badshah’s towering image on their cell phones. Hanging their guns on shoulders, they aimed to get Badshah’s perfect shot. But Badshah continued his journey.
 Badshah’s exhausted eyes lit up when he saw waters of Dal Lake from Oberoi crossing. 
 As Badshah strolled on the Dal banks, it attracted people irrespective of age. There was long traffic jam as people alighted out of their vehicles to have his glimpse.
 “I can’t believe my eyes. This is for the first time that I have seen a camel near Dal lake,” remarked an aged man.
 “I have heard that Camel meat is low in fat and tasty. It would be good if five-six people jointly purchase the Camel and sacrifice it on Eid. Islam teaches us to share and care,” he added as people including children keenly followed Badshah’s every step near SKICC.  
 Farid informed the enthused crowd that Badshah has spent six years of his life in deserts of Rajasthan. “He must be happy to see water all around him today,” said Farid while fetching water from the lake for Badshah.
 “I have purchased Budshah for Rs 40,000. For past few months, I have reared him with care. If I would have brought Badshah in a truck or other vehicle, it would have been a costly affair. So I decided to travel on foot along with Badshah. I am hopeful that he will fetch over Rs 50,000,” he said.
 Farid who hails from Qazigund in south Kashmir’s Islamabad district, said it is his ancestral trade to supply animals, mostly sheep for sacrifice in Kashmir. “I am carrying on my family tradition,” Farid said as he received a call on his cell phone. “Thanks Almighty. I have received an order for Badshah from Bandipora,” he said in an elated tone. But he could not hide tears in his eyes. “He (Badshah) has been my companion for last few months. I have shared many joys and sorrows with him. It would be an emotional moment for me when I will sell him. But this is life,” Farid said and continued his journey.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 3 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 3 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 4 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST