The Hindu : National : `Cannot travel beyond PoK'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 27, 2005

National

National

`Cannot travel beyond PoK'

NEW DELHI: It may not yet be a smooth run for separatist Hurriyat Conference leaders wishing to travel by the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service on June two on an invitation extended by Pakistan.

The Government today made it clear that if they move beyond Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, it would be ``contrary'' to the understanding reached between the two countries.

The official clarification came after Islamabad said the Hurriyat leaders were welcome to visit any part of Pakistan they liked.

The External Affairs Ministry spokesman, Navtej Sarna, said the Government has a ``clear understanding with Pakistan that passengers travelling on this bus can travel only within the territory of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir. Any travel beyond the territory would not be in keeping with the understanding between the two governments''.

Asked about Government's view if they travelled beyond PoK, Mr. Sarna said ``the very clear and explicit understanding between the governments of India and Pakistan is that while this bus is open to the citizens of both the countries, they can only travel within the erstwhile State of J and K. Anything which goes beyond this will be contrary to the understanding of the two governments''. — PTI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National