First of three points on LoC was opened

As decided by India and Pakistan, the first of the three points on the Line of Control was opened for earthquake relief work today.Brigadier A K Bakshi and his Pakistani counterpart Tahir Naqvi exchanged white flags and hugged each other.

Hundreds of local people and scores of journalists had gathered on both sides on the occasion.

Emotional scenes were witnessed as people from both sides rushed to talk and embrace each other, separated for half a century. Indian and Pakistani scribes were also seen hugging each other and clicking photographs.

"It's a good feeling," Army officer Santanu Ghose said after shaking hands with Pakistani Colonel Ali Khan across the white ribbon marking the LoC.

India and Pakistan had decided to open three points on the LoC to facilitate relief work for the victims of the October 8 quake which devastated both sides of Kashmir killing thousands of people.

The crossing point at Kaman in Uri will open on November 9 and Tithwal in Tangdhar on November 10. All the three points were originally scheduled to be opened today, but works such as laying roads, clearing roads of debris and de-mining remained incomplete. Relief material will be sent through these crossing points and people will be able to cross the LoC once their names are approved by both sides, reports Chennai Online news. I.L.