TATAPANI (LoC): As part of the process of softening the Line of Control to facilitate movement of quake-relief material to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the fourth centre opened at Tatapani on Monday. Ten trucks carrying Indian relief material made their way to the affected areas. It was the first time in 58 years that a linkage point on this side of the LoC was established with southern PoK.

At 11 a.m. (IST), an Army team led by Colonel Deepak Saini marched towards the LoC and shook hands with Pakistan Army personnel led by Colonel Ali. Later revenue officials of Poonch district led by Deputy Commissioner Ramzan Thakur and Hajeera (PoK) Deputy Commissioner Usman Qayani took charge of movement of relief material. From the Indian side 280 quintals of wheat, 210 quintals of rice and 180 quintals of tarpaulin sheets were distributed. In a symbolic gesture, the Pakistan team handed over food packets and water coolers.

No tension

Though nobody from this side was allowed to cross the LoC, unlike as on November 7 when the Chakan Da Bagh point was opened, there was no tension on either side. Scribes and officials from both sides interacted in Pahari language with ease. As on November 7, there were large crowds along the LoC at Chawkyal village in Hajeera tehsil of PoK. To avoid a repetition of the scenes at Tetrinote village on November 7 when crowds started approaching the Indian side, the Pakistan Army and PoK police personnel took positions all along the LoC and monitored the movement of civilians.

At the same time many, mostly PoK politicians, were allowed to reach the fenced LoC after checking.

Mr. Usman Qayani said: "Earthquake has brought the two sides separated by the LoC closer to each other. We are thankful to India, which has provided relief to the affected families. The people here want the LoC to open even for civilian movement."

According to him, the worst-affected area in Hajeera was Kotli town, where many have become shelterless though fewer lives were lost there than in other parts of PoK.

Hajeera Superintendent of Police Sadiq said: "The crowds gathered here have come from various parts on our side of the LoC." Unlike the opening of other three points along the LoC inhabited by the Pahari-speaking population, Monday's opening of the point, which adjoins the Kotli-Mirpur belt of PoK has some special significance in India-Pakistan ties.

Pakistan earlier showed reluctance to open the LoC point along southern PoK, namely Kotli-Mirpur tehsils, and many attribute it to anger in this belt against the Islamabad establishment.

The prime reason is the construction of Mangla dam on the Jhelum in the 1960s, which caused maximum displacement from this pocket. On Monday a number of political leaders from either side were allowed to meet each other.

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