Weeks of closure: Foot crossing point’s reopening delights civilians

MUZAFFARABAD:

Civilians living on either side of the disputed border in Kashmir hailed Friday’s reopening of the Nauseri-Tithwal foot crossing point, one of five such designated spots along the LoC. The crossing point was closed following the ceasefire violation by the Indian Army in July.

At least four people used the route to return to their families living on the other side of the border.

Security officials as well as civilians from both Indian-administered Kashmir and Azad Kashmir were present ahead of the re-opening of the foot crossing point of Neelum Valley.

The foot-crossing points were opened a few months after the April 2005 launch of the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service. The Muzaffarabad-Srinagar Bus Service and Foot Crossing Points were being considered a major step in the confidence building measure.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2013.