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India and Pakistan opened a third crossing point on the Line of Control on Saturday, but as with earlier openings this week both sides exchanged relief supplies without allowing Kashmiris across.

India and Pakistan have agreed to open five crossing points, as a humanitarian response to the October 8 earthquake.

But the governments have been criticised for their hesitance in opening the LoC to help in delivering aid to the communities cut-off by landslides in the mountains and valleys of the remote region, and to allow villagers to visit kinfolk on the other side.

At Saturday's opening of a footbridge across the Neelum River between Chiliana in Azad and Tithwal in occupied Kashmir, bags of relief goods containing tents, blankets, tools and warm clothing were given first by one side and then by the other.

Meantime, frustrated villagers peered across during Saturday's opening ceremony, looking for relatives on the other side of the valley flanked by forested hillside and snowy peaks.

"Today there will be no civilian movement, but later, after proper verification people from both sides can cross," Indian army Brigadier S. S. Jog said.

Pakistan says the delay to movement of people across the point is because India is not ready.

Copyright Reuters, 2005


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