JWG meeting: New Delhi proposes multiple entry visas for Kashmiris
Rejects Islamabad’s demand for release of truck driver in Uri.
Three suspended Kashmiri students address the media in Srinagar. PHOTO: AFP
NEW DELHI:
India offered several proposals to Pakistan on increasing cross-LoC confidence building measures including multiple-entry visas for people of Jammu and Kashmir but has rejected Islamabad’s demand for release of its driver in Uri.
The driver is accused of smuggling narcotics.
Giving details of the Pakistan-India Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting held earlier this week, India’s external affairs ministry spokesperson said India has put forward a set of proposals including measures to improve cross-LoC trade and travel connectivity and the resumption of Skardu-Kargil bus service.
During the meeting, India blamed Pakistan for failing to detect the flow of narcotics to Indian side – a charge Pakistan has refuted, therefore, discussions were held on the need to strengthen the Standard Operating Procedures to ensure that items prohibited in the cargo list was not sent, he said.
Highlighting the proposal aimed at easing cross-LoC travel restrictions, the spokesperson said it was suggested that a booklet could be issued with multiple-entry visas.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2014.
India offered several proposals to Pakistan on increasing cross-LoC confidence building measures including multiple-entry visas for people of Jammu and Kashmir but has rejected Islamabad’s demand for release of its driver in Uri.
The driver is accused of smuggling narcotics.
Giving details of the Pakistan-India Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting held earlier this week, India’s external affairs ministry spokesperson said India has put forward a set of proposals including measures to improve cross-LoC trade and travel connectivity and the resumption of Skardu-Kargil bus service.
During the meeting, India blamed Pakistan for failing to detect the flow of narcotics to Indian side – a charge Pakistan has refuted, therefore, discussions were held on the need to strengthen the Standard Operating Procedures to ensure that items prohibited in the cargo list was not sent, he said.
Highlighting the proposal aimed at easing cross-LoC travel restrictions, the spokesperson said it was suggested that a booklet could be issued with multiple-entry visas.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2014.