Thursday, May 26 2005 19:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: It may not yet be a smooth run for separatists Hurriyat Conference leaders wishing to travel by the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service on June 2, 2005 on an invitation extended by Pakistan.

Government today (May 26, 2005) made it clear that if they move beyond Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, it will be "contrary" to the understanding reached between the two countries.

The official clarification came after Islamabad said that the Hurriyat leaders were welcome to visit any part of Pakistan they liked.

In response to questions from reporters, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said that Government has a "clear understanding with Pakistan that passengers traveling on this bus can travel only within the territory of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir. Any travel beyond the territory would not be in keeping with the understanding between the two Governments".

Asked about Government's view if they traveled beyond PoK, Sarna said "the very clear and explicit understanding between Governments of India and Pakistan is that while this bus is open to the citizens of India and Pakistan, they can only travel within the erstwhile State of J and K. Anything which goes beyond this will be contrary to the understanding of the two Governments".