Pakistan has handed over to India for clearance 46 applications from people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir seeking permits to travel by the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus, which will start plying from April 7.
The applications, received by the regional passport officer in Srinagar, will be forwarded to the Jammu and Kashmir government for clearance, John Shilsha, Kashmir regional passport officer told rediff.com.
Shilsha, who is the designated authority in Jammu and Kashmir to issue permits for the bus, said he had received 46 forms from Chowdhary Liaqat Hussain, deputy commissioner of Muzaffarabad, who is the designated authority in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.
"These forms were handed over to the senior army officers in Chakoti yesterday [Tuesday] by deputy commissioner, Muzaffarabad," he said.
"My office has so far issued 350 forms in the Kashmir valley and our Jammu office has issued 150 forms to enable members of the divided families meet."
Asked why the number of forms being issued was less, he said, "As per the present arrangement, only 60 persons will be allowed to travel each month from either side. Issuing a large number of forms will add to the administrative difficulties. Once the governments in New Delhi and Islamabad agree to more frequent bus service we will increase the number of forms issued."
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