Kamaan Bridge (Uri), November 9
Indian and Pakistani officials from both sides of the LoC today supervised the exchange of relief material for the quake-affected population. The Aman Setu (peace) bridge over the KDK nullah, which links the two sides of Kashmir, was a witness to the exchange of food items.
The 18-km-long road from Uri to this post was made operational for light vehicles following heavy damage to it due to the October 8 quake. The exchange of relief material was not “tough”, according to Col G.S. Rawat, who supervised the relief measures in the area. The process of exchanging material would continue to help the people of the area, he said.
The exchange of relief material began around noon. Over 10 porters from both sides carried the relief items. This was necessitated because about 100 metres of the road from one end of the bridge has completely sunk because of landslides, triggered by the tremors.
“It is a good beginning and this will continue”, said Mr Shafiq Ahmad Kiyanee, chief of the relief camp of the PoK. He said the event was not meant for the meeting of the locals from the two sides of the LoC but was restricted only to the exchange of relief material. Mr Kiyanee held that the quantity and specification of the items did not matter, as it was more of a goodwill gesture.
Giving details of the relief material, Mr B.A. Runiyal, Relief Commissioner, Uri, said the material included food items, blankets and tents adding that it was a symbolic exchange.
The relief material received from PoK officials today included approximately 100 bags of food items. This followed a meeting between officials held yesterday to work out the details for exchanging the kind and quality of the requisite material.
