The Hindu : National : On the track to peace

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 22, 2005

National

National

On the track to peace

By Shujaat Bukhari

ANXIOUS WAIT: A queue at the Regional Passport Office in Srinagar on Monday for obtaining travel permits for Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The first bus from Srinagar will leave for Muzaffarabad on April 7. — Photo: Nissar Ahmad

KAMAN POST (LOC), MARCH 21. A year ago this was a danger zone, a signpost of the hostility between India and Pakistan. Now it has undergone a makeover. Shells and bullets have been replaced by shovels and spades. Soldiers are outnumbered by construction workers and heavy artillery by bull-dozers.

On November 23 last year, the ceasefire had lasted a year. Kaman Post, the last point on the Line of Control (LoC) had for many years remained deserted, as thousands of residents fled the shells and mortars.

But today, troops in both parts of Kashmir and civilians are working frantically to open the route for the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service.

"We are tired of violence. We have suffered a lot on account of hostilities between the two countries because we bear the brunt," said Munir Hussain, a resident of Udoosa village. Many of his fellow villagers are working with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which is working hard to meet the April 7 deadline.

A weak wooden bridge, blown up during the 1947 war, is the centre of attraction as the road from Uri to the LoC is almost ready with the final touches being given by the BRO.

Soldiers on both sides look at each other without enmity. "We are very happy to see this change," said Nek Ram, a soldier whose unit had lost two soldiers in gunfire.

The decision to open the road has revived the hopes of thousands on both sides.

Much before it is formally thrown open, the people seem to have come closer as the workers exchange pleasantries while working on this vital bridge here, the only link between the two regions.

"We have been waiting for this road to reopen for many decades as we want to travel to the other side," G.M. Mir, a prolific writer in Muzaffarabad, told this reporter recently.

Long queues of the persons belonging to divided families also indicate their eagerness. "My father is living across and, believe me, I have not seen him for a long time," said Manzoor Ahmed, a Srinagar resident who got the travel permit form last week.

Many of his relatives are dead but he added: "I hope I can see those who are alive."

De-mining

According to Army authorities, de-mining the area would be the biggest challenge. But they removed all land mines on the track, ahead of the launch of the bus service on April 7.

"The entire road has been de-mined. It is now safe for journey," Lt. Gen. Nirbhay Sharma, Commander of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps told The Hindu .

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