Srinagar, Oct 18: In an exemplary gesture of honesty, an auto-rickshaw driver returned purse containing valuables and cash to a tourist couple from Kolkatta at Nehru Park on the Dal lake banks Tuesday.
 The tourists Samirdas Gupta and Talapti Das Gupta had hired an auto-rickshaw (JK01D/ 4346) from Boulevard to Nehru Park and forgot the purse in it. However, after finding the purse missing, the couple thought that purse was left at their houseboat.
 “However I was shocked to learn that the purse was not there. The purse contained valuables, cases and life-saving medicine. We started to search for the purse at Zabarwan Park and its adjoining areas. We had least idea that we had forgotten the purse in the auto,” Tapati said.
 In the meantime, the auto-rickshaw driver Hilal Ahmad Sofi of Mughal Mohalla Rainawani approached the Nehru Park Police Post and handed over the purse to the police officials there.
 The Divisional Officer of Nehru Park Police Post Muhammad Shafi searched for the tourist couple and after ascertaining their identity handed over the purse to them.
 “Kashmiris are known for their hospitality. Today we realized that they are also honest. We will never forget the gesture of the auto-rickshaw driver,” the elated tourist couple said.
 The auto rickshaw driver Hilal Ahmad Sofi said soon after seeing the purse, he started to look for the tourists. “I thought that the couple would be worried about the purse and made all efforts to trace them. After I failed, I contacted the police,” Sofi said.
 As a token of appreciation, the Divisional Officer Nehru Park Police Post, Muhammad Shafi gave Rs 500 from his pocket to the auto-rickshaw driver. The tourist couple also gave cash reward to the driver “This gesture should set as an example for other Kashmiris who deal with tourists. We have to realize that tourists are our guests and we should ensure that they don’t face any inconvenience during their stay in the Valley,” the DO told Greater Kashmir. .
 Meanwhile, the locals including houseboats owners have appreciated the gesture of the auto-rickshaw driver. “This gesture reflects the hospitality and honesty of Kashmiris. It should serve as an example for all the tourism stakeholders,” said Habib Khankashi, a houseboat owner.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST