Poonch, June 20
Not only the Line of Control (LoC) that divides Poonch between India and Pakistan but also religions seem irrelevant at sports stadium here where Pakistan-bound passengers gather every Monday of the month.

Emotions were running high when Kanshi Ram bade adieu to his cousin (maternal uncle’s son), Ali Mohammad who returned to Pakistan today after spending 45 days here. In the turmoil of 1947, Ali’s family had to migrate to Pakistan. Thereafter, he visited his birth place for the first time in April this year.

Nevertheless, every passenger at the bus yard belonged to families which got separated during 1947 and 1965 wars.

Amidst sobs and cries of the departing people, the warmth of their hugs, kisses, final handshakes from the windows of moving buses and exchange of farewell notes were just too much for onlookers.

Despite the alleged cumbersome procedure of issuing permits on both sides of the border, they said they would like to visit again.

The entire family of Kanshi Ram of Gherati in Rajouri had come to see off Ali who lives in Pakistan in New Meerpur.

Ali was accompanied by his brother-in-law Mohammad Aziz who, during his visit to this part of Poonch, met his sister, Humsheera Begum of Rajouri. The brother-sister got separated in 1947.

“We just pray that both countries live like brothers. Our culture, language, eating habits and every thing is the same. Our wounds start bleeding whenever there is strain in Indian-Pakistan relations,” Ali said.

“The memories of love and hospitality of my relatives here are the prized souvenirs I am taking back to Pakistan,” he said.

The Pakistani guests were seen taking along with them umbrellas, clothes, pressure cookers and photographs of their relatives.

From the sports stadium, passengers are transported to LoC in the buses of the state regional transport corporation, from where they have to board different buses.

Amongst the group of people who left for Pakistan, there were many people who met their separated family members here for the first time in their life.

Hazi Sultan (95) of Poonch city had come with his son Mohammad Younis, medical superintendent of district hospital Poonch and daughter in law Javeda Firdos, to see off his late elder brother’s daughter, Nazira Bi.

“I was born at Gujranwalla in Pakistan. I came here with my husband to meet our relatives,” said Nazira, adding that they got permit after four years.

“We got permit after two-and-a-half years. I had to apply for twice. Though I want to visit again but I am uncertain when the two governments allow me next