133 civilians cross LoC via Poonch

Jammu, Sep 12: Over 133 civilians have crossed the border from Chakan-Da-Bagh, Line of Control (LoC) by 'Rah-e-Aman' bus service under tight security arrangements.

Official sources said 62 civilians crossed over to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) from Poonch, while 71 civilians came to Indian side from Chakan-Da-Bagh by the Poonch-Rawalakot fortnightly bus service yesterday.

Number of people crossing the LoC by Poonch-Rawalakot bus service has been on a rise due to closure of Tatta Pani crossing point, the second point for movement of the civilians between the two sides of the LoC. Tatta Pani point in Mendhar tehsil, is closed since last July due to damage caused to afoot bridge following heavy rains.

According to the sources, work to repair the bridge is in full swing and Tatta Pani point is expected to be open for civilian movement in a fortnight's time.

Sources said 27 civilians went to PoK from India to meet their relatives and friends while 35 returned to PoK after a stay on Indian soil. Out of the 27 visiting PoK for the first time, 25 hail from Rajouri and one each from Bhadarwah and Poonch.

53 people hailing from PoK travelled to the Indian side by 'Rah-e-Aman' for the first time while 18 others returned back.

A PoK citizen Nawab Din, resident of Mirpur, who had come to the Indian side from Chakan-Da-Bagh by Rawalakot-Poonch bus service on August 28 didn't turn up for return journey.

UNI