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People unlikely to cross first LoC point on Nov 7
K J M Varma
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November 06, 2005 18:28 IST

India and Pakistan were set to open one of the five points along the Line of Control on Monday but it was unlikely that many would cross into Jammu and Kashmir [Images] and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir as the two sides have not yet exchanged the lists of those approved to go across.

However, the two countries could exchange relief goods through the point at Poonch-Rawalkot, which India said would be ready for opening from Monday, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam told PTI in Islamabad on Sunday.

"No crossing of people would take place on Monday because we have not yet exchanged the lists of people wanting to cross," she said.

Aslam said the lists have not yet been exchanged due to Diwali and Eid holidays even though both sides had reached an agreement on October 30 to open five points. The two sides had also agreed to apply the modalities of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service to permit the people on both sides.

Aslam said it was likely the two sides could exchange lists of people who have so far applied to cross on Monday, which meant that any crossings were not expected until middle of next week. The two sides agreed to clear each application in about 10 days time.

Originally the two countries were scheduled to open Nauseri-Tithwal, Chakoti-Uri, Hajipir-Uri, Rawalakot-Poonch and Tattapani-Mendhar points along the LoC.

India, however, informed Pakistan on Saturday night that only Poonch-Rawalkot point would be ready as the Army was clearing landslides at other points.

Two more points were expected to be operational by November 10, Indian officials said.       

The two countries agreed to open LoC points for the first time in 58 years as a humanitarian gesture to help Kashmiris, who have suffered in the devastation caused by the killer earthquake on both sides, to meet and help each other with relief and reconstruction.

Aslam said all the five points on Pakistan side were ready and Pakistan Army has also established relief camps at the five points to provide relief and medical assistance to the people of the areas as well as the people crossing from Jammu and Kashmir.

Over 43,000 people were killed in PoK in the earthquake and over 40,000 injured. PoK capital Muzaffarabad was completely destroyed in the quake.

In all over 73,000 people were killed in earthquake in POK and the North West Frontier Province.

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