Thursday, April 7 2005 12:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Muzaffarabad: A bus carrying 30 passengers on a historic journey to Srinagar today (Apr 7, 2005) set off from the capital town Muzaffarabad of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) amidst tight security.

Twenty five men and five women will be travelling to Chakoti near the Line of Control (LoC) from where they will cross over to the Indian side of Kashmir from the Kaman Bridge which is the last point on the LoC.

After custom clearance and other formalities they would be continue their journey for Srinagar on two Jammu and Kashmir State Transport buses.

The green and gold 'Kaarwan-e-Aaman'(Caravan of peace) bus was flagged off by PoK Prime Minister Sikander Hayat Khan amid readings from the Quran.

"The start of the bus service is a historic step," Hayat said as he flagged off the bus.

A festive atmosphere prevailed in Muzaffarabad. Colourful shamianas were erected for the inaugural families. At the lawn near the bus terminal, some 2,000 people had come to see off the passengers.

The road leading to Srinagar from Muzaffarabad has been beautifully decorated with banners and buntings inscribed with slogans of peace, love and friendship.

More than 1,300 policemen have been deployed. Security was tight at the terminal building, Chakoti and the entire route. Most of the passengers on the bus, which rolled out after 57 years, expressed the hope that more Kashmiris would come forward to travel to the other side of Kashmir on the bus notwithstanding threats by militants.

Abdul Shah, travelling with his wife, said he had visited the other side 20 years ago. "I am determined to go come what may...my life is in the hands of God and I am not afraid."

He said more Muzaffarabad-Srinagar buses should be run and a number of services should be introduced from different points from the LoC.

"We have suffered enough and it is time now to allow dear and near ones of divided families to meet... they should not be deterred by attacks."

The long awaited bus service linking divided parts of Kashmir rolled out despite a suicide attack by militants on a tourist complex in Srinagar yesterday (Apr 6, 2005) in which two ultras were killed and eight people injured.

One passenger dropped out of the trip at the last minute, probably due to security reasons, but was immediately replaced by another traveller, officials said.

An elated Raja Pervez, driver of the bus, said he was excited that he was getting the honour of driving the first bus. "I am happy that I am putting my name in history," he said.

On the 170 km route between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad the bus will cross nine cities - the starting point Muzaffarabad, Garhi, Dupata, Hatyan Bala, Chakoti, Lal bridge, Uri, Baramola, Patan and Srinagar.

The historic bus service is operated by the Pakistan's transport authority.