(a) whether the India and Pakistan have agreed to open Line of Control (LoC) along the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir to help the earthquake victims;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has issued guidelines to the army for opening up of LoC;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the period for which the LoC will remain open?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) & (b): Consequent to the earthquake of 8th October 2005, India and Pakistan have agreed to open 5 crossing points on the Line of Control (LoC) for the crossing of people whose names have been duly approved by both the sides and for movement of relief material across the LoC.
(c) & (d): Army was asked to set up the basic infrastructure at these crossing points like demining and creation of safe lanes, tented accommodation, communication and temporary bridges to facilitate crossing over of relief stores on foot.
(e) The following dates for opening of the crossing points on LoC have been confirmed:-
(i)
Tithwal – Nauseri – 19th & 26th November, 3rd & 10th December, 2005.
(ii)
Poonch – Rawalakot – 21st November & 5th December 2005.
(iii)
Mendhar – Tattapani – 28th November and 12th December 2005.
(iv)
Uri – Chakoti – 17th November and 1st December 2005
(v)
Uri – Hajipur – 24th November & 8th December 2005.