Chakothi bridge meeting: No resolution to the issue of stranded trucks

Delegations from both sides of LOC to meet again on 30th.

MUZAFFARABAD:

After 11 days of standoff, official delegations from both sides of the Line of Control (LOC) met on Chakothi bridge, which divides the state of Jammu and Kashmir. However, discussions failed to resolve the issue of the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar Bus and Truck service.

According to official sources, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir delegation was led by Director General Travel and Trade Authority (Tata) Brigadier Retired Muhammad Ismail while the Indian team was led by Secretary Industries Muhammad Javid Khan. The delegations discussed the issue of the stranded trucks and the resumption of Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus and trade routes.

“Despite meeting for more than an hour, the delegations failed to end the standoff on the arrest of an Azad Jammu and Kashmir truck driver who was accused of drug smuggling by the Indian authorities, sources said. Both sides agreed to find a solution for the release of 76 trucks and their drivers stranded across the LoC and a resumption of trade and travel, sources added, saying the next round of talks will be held on Thursday at the same location.

Since the suspension of the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service more than 127 persons of divided families have been stranded across the Line of Control.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2014.