Thursday, April 7 2005 14:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kaman Post (LoC): Passengers of Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus crossed into Indian territory at Kaman Post marking a path-breaking moment in Indo-Pak ties bedevilled by 58 years of bitterness.

Thirty passengers, including five women, who started off from Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), this morning reached the peace-bridge that straddles the Line of Control (LoC), after 61 km journey lasting two and a half hours.

The passengers got off the brand new, lime green and gold coach on the Pakistani side and walked across the bridge appropriately painted white to signify peace, to a warm and musical welcome from the Army band on this side of divided Jammu and Kashmir.

An old lady on wheelchair led the Pakistani passengers.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and his deputy Mangat Ram Sharma welcomed the passengers by garlanding them and offering them bouquets.

A large number of Army jawans and Government officials were also present to welcome the Pakistani guests as they crossed over to this side.