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| Kaman Aman Setu, being used for cross LoC trade, gets more facilities | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
Srinagar, Jan 13 : Notwithstanding the high tension between India and Pakistan following the killing of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani-soldiers and refusing permission to allow trucks to enter Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) recently, the Kaman Aman Setu, being used for cross border travel and trade in Uri sector, gets added facilities besides renovation. The weekly service has so far helped thousands of families divided in 1947 to meet each other since its first run on April 7,2005 when Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh flagged off Karwan-e- Aman bus from here despite opposition by militants, who carried out fidayeen attack on Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) a day earlier. Trade worth billions of rupees has also been done through this cross Line of Control (LoC) route by the traders of PoK and Jammu and Kashmir. Recently Pakistani troops refused permission to bus carrying passengers and trucks carrying vegetables and other material to PoK at Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch sector recently. Two soldiers were killed by Pakistani soldiers in Poonch sector, triggering a high tension on the LoC and International border. However, inspite of all this the Kaman Aman Setu (KAS) and the Kaman Transit Point (KTP) gets facelift with more facilities, including a prayer hall for guests from PoK and those crossing over to other side from Kashmir. A defence ministry spokesman said here that the KAS and KTP have come to symbolize the yearning for peace and prosperity on both sides of the LoC. The bus service has helped unite numerous families of both sides of the divide, he said adding, similarly, the Trade Service has generated vibrant economic activity benefitting Kashmir as a whole. Over the years the bus and trade have emerged as the focal Confidence Building Measures (CBMs). He said KAS and KTP were established by Army to provide rest and other facilities to the people transiting through there. The infrastructure and transient facilities have recently been given a facelift under the aegis of Border Area Development programme (BADP) 2011-12, he said. The project was accomplished by the Kalapahar Brigade, he said. In addition to the repair and refurbishment of all infrastructure, a few interesting additions have been made to the passenger facilities. A cafeteria and a prayer room has added value to the KTP and will be of immense utility to the people.
The improvement at KTP is a symbol of India's unflinching commitment towards the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir |
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