Declaration: Easing cross-LoC interaction underscored

The declaration also called for extending travel facility to refugees living in Azad Jammu and Kashmir since 1990.

MIRPUR:

There is need to ease traffic across the Line of Control (LoC) by simplifying clearance procedures and introducing scanners at various points, said a declaration issued late Thursday.

The declaration was issued by members of a dialogue on “Building bridges, bringing women voices into peace building in Kashmir” that concluded in Muzzaffarabad a day before.

The declaration also called for extending travel facility to refugees living in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) since 1990.

Additionally, it demanded more interaction between women entrepreneurs, educationists, lawyers, journalists, students and conflict resolution experts on both sides for setting up a task force with a mandate to address human rights and humanitarian issues.

Furthermore, it called for removing land mines that obstruct free movement of the people and are responsible for civilian casualties. It emphasised on gradual demilitarisation; including that of Siachen glacier and converting it into a peace park, providing justice to the victims of the conflict, especially widows, missing persons, displaced youth, end of abuse of human rights, scrapping of draconian laws and impunity.

Led by Professor Nusrat Andrabi, a 10- member delegation attended the dialogue to reach to a peaceful solution to conflict.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2012.