CNN.com - Kashmir crossing points to open

Kashmir crossing points to open

(CNN) -- India and Pakistan next week plan to open crossing points along the Line of Control that divides the disputed territory of Kashmir as a "humanitarian measure" to foster earthquake relief efforts.

Both countries -- which have engaged in talks on the issue of relief -- issued a joint statement last week saying they had agreed to open crossings at five points.

"For relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction purposes, it was agreed that with prior information and acceptance and depending on feasibility, relief items can be sent in either direction and handed over to local authorities" at the crossing points of Nauseri-Tithwal, Chakoti-Uri, Hajipur-Uri, Rawalakot-Poonch, and Tattapani-Mendhar, the Oct. 29 statement said.

Both sides "agreed on operationalization of the arrangements" on Monday, said the statement issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad and India's Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

The Line of Control is the tense boundary line between the Indian- and Pakistani-controlled sections of Kashmir. Tensions and warring between the two nuclear powers have persisted over the years because of differences over that territory.

However, the devastation caused by the deadly quake, which has claimed the lives of more than 73,000 people, most in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir and in the country's North-West Frontier province. More than 1,200 people died in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Pakistani and Indian delegations met to deal with a proposal from Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf "regarding the opening of crossing points."

"It was agreed that because of nonavailability of or damage to infrastructure on these points, crossings across the LoC would be permitted on foot."

Parameters already agreed on for the restoration of bus service across the Line of Control will also be used for opening of the crossing points, the statement said.

Both governments earlier this year issued a statement allowing bus travel between Srinagar in Indian-controlled Kashmir and Muzaffarabad in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.

"It was further agreed that priority for crossings would be accorded to members of divided families on either side of the LoC," the statement said, adding that Pakistan "expressed its appreciation for the assistance provided by India for the earthquake victims."

CNN Correspondent Stan Grant and Producer Syed Mohsin Naqvi contributed to this report.

Home Page

Get up-to-the minute news from CNN

CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.

Home Page

Get up-to-the minute news from CNN

CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.