MUZAFFARABAD, June 20: A second bus service, linking Rawlakot in Azad Kashmir with Poonch in the Indian-held territory, was flagged off on both sides of the heavily-militarised Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday.

Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Sardar Sikandar Hayat sent off 29 people from this side of the LoC after military and civilian officials from both sides exchanged pleasantries, sweets and gifts along the along Tetrinote-Chakan da Bagh crossing point. Colourful balloons and pigeons were released to mark the occasion.

“I welcome the bus service. And I thank both the governments because they have provided Kashmiris an opportunity to travel to the other side to visit their relatives,” Mr Hayat told a large number of people who had gathered to receive or see off their relatives.

“However, it is a process to reunite the divided families on both sides (of the LoC) and not the ultimate goal,” he said.

Prime Minister Hayat said that the bus or truck services or other confidence-building measures should not be misconceived as solution of the Kashmir issue.

Mr Hayat also received 30 passengers from the other side of the LoC.

The ceremony, however, lacked official enthusiasm and media hype that was witnessed as the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service was inaugurated, the first transport link between the two sides in nearly six decades. That service was also flagged off by Mr Hayat while it was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on the other side.

Although it is called Rawlakot-Poonch bus service, but it does not carry passengers from Rawlakot, which is located about 47 kilometres from Tetrinote, the last village on this side of the LoC.

On Tuesday, passengers reached the Tetrinote village on their own and boarded a bus to ride the 700 odd metres to the LoC. However, on the other side, the bus started its journey from Poonch city which is around 13 kilometres away from the LoC.

Indian Congress leader Sonia Gandhi flagged off the bus service at Chakkan Da Bagh, the last village on the Indian side of the LoC. She was accompanied by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, occupied Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and his predecessor and People’s Democratic Party leader Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Ms Gandhi reportedly said that the service was bound to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Opinion

Editorial

Dangerous law
Updated 17 May, 2024

Dangerous law

It must remember that the same law can be weaponised against it one day, just as Peca was when the PTI took power.
Uncalled for pressure
17 May, 2024

Uncalled for pressure

THE recent press conferences by Senators Faisal Vawda and Talal Chaudhry, where they demanded evidence from judges...
KP tussle
17 May, 2024

KP tussle

THE growing war of words between KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is affecting...
Dubai properties
Updated 16 May, 2024

Dubai properties

It is hoped that any investigation that is conducted will be fair and that no wrongdoing will be excused.
In good faith
16 May, 2024

In good faith

THE ‘P’ in PTI might as well stand for perplexing. After a constant yo-yoing around holding talks, the PTI has...
CTDs’ shortcomings
16 May, 2024

CTDs’ shortcomings

WHILE threats from terrorist groups need to be countered on the battlefield through military means, long-term ...