KAMAN POST (LoC): The Indian and Pakistani authorities, on Wednesday, opened the second point along the Line of Control (LoC) for exchange of relief material for the earthquake-hit people.

The event was brief and simple, devoid of the enthusiasm and fanfare of April 7, when the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service was launched. A mild tremor shook the area even as relief material was being exchanged.

In contrast to November 7 when the first point was opened at Chaka Da Bagh, civilians were not allowed to be part of the "ceremony," termed a "major step" by officials and "sheer disappointment" by civilians. At 12.05 p.m, officials from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and this side shook hands and exchanged relief material. Porters from both sides then started their work. The Indian team comprised Additional Commissioner Kashmir Dilshad Khan, Relief Commissioner B. A. Runiyal and Commanding Officer of Dogra Regiment Col G. S. Rawat.

Relief Camp Commander, Shafiq Ahmed Kiyani, and Lt. Col. Mohammad Chiragh received the material on the other side.

"This is being done as a goodwill gesture on both sides," Mr. Kiyani told reporters. He added that it was the spirit that mattered and not the quantity.

"Policy matter"

Asked why civilians were not allowed, he said: "It is a policy matter, please ask the politicians."

Mr. Kiyani said that PoK had been badly affected by the quake. A temporary wooden structure was used on Wednesday to carry material to the other side while on the Indian side, a causeway had been made.

Mr. Runiyal said the relief material comprised blankets, tents, food items and medicines. "This will continue for the period [the] Government asks us to do." Asked about people crossing the LoC, he said it would happen "whenever we get orders. As far as the administration is concerned, we are ready."

A field hospital has been set up here but there were no patients. An Indian flag and a Red Cross flag fluttered atop the poles and on the Pakistani side, PoK's official flag and a Pakistani flag were seen.

"We have seven doctors and nine para-medical members and we are supposed to be here till November 19 when another team relieves us," said Nazir Ahmed, a doctor. "We have all medicines here but we did not treat anybody today," he said.

"Dying to see relatives"

Civilians in Uri, who were waiting to cross over, were disappointed.

"There is no point in sending this material or getting the same when we are literally dying to see our relatives, " said Mohammad Rashid from Kamalkot.

His two uncles and several cousins lived across the LoC and he has no information about them.

Mursala Begum, whose sister lives in Muzaffarabad, asked: "TV Par Tou Bahut Batein Kartein Hein Logon Ko Rahat Punhchaney Key Liye Yahe Rahat Hey ("On TV, they talk much about relief to the people. Is this the relief?").

Officials said the procedure to allow people to cross might be completed in 10 days.

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