SRINAGAR : Highest number of 39 residents of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) in 2014 arrived here while 14 Kashmiris cross over to other side of the Line of Control (LoC) to meet their relatives, separated in 1947 due to partition.
As many as 28 returnees also cross sides at Kaman post, the last Indian military post on this side of the LoC in Uri sector, official sources said here today. They said 39 PoK guests, including 15 women and five children, highest in 2014, arrived at Kaman post after crossing the Aman Setu, peace bridge on foot. They said nine Kashmiris, who had gone to PoK, returned to their homes after completing stay across the LoC with their relatives, separated in the partition. They included four women, sources said.
Sources said fourteen Kashmiris, including five women and a child, crossed over to other side of the LoC. While 19 PoK residents, who had arrived here in previous Karavan-e-Aman bus also returned to their homes after completing stay in Kashmir. They included four women and as many children.
The number of PoK guests goes down during winter when the number of Kashmiris crossing to other sides increases because of below freezing temperature here. Similarly, the number of PoK guests increases in summer in Kashmir to witness flowers and orchards, full of fruits. The Karvan-e-Aman bus service was started on April 7,2005 when both India and Pakistan agreed to allow travel of divided families on ‘ Travel Permits’ instead of International Passport. However, clearance of both the governments was necessary for any traveller and only state subject, living on both sides of the LoC, could undertake the visit.
(AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel