Thursday, November 10 2005 15:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Opening of the third crossing point on the Line of Control (LoC) for quake relief work, scheduled for today (Nov 10, 2005), has been delayed by two days because of incomplete infrastructural work.

"A foot bridge being constructed by the Pakistan Army on the Kishanganga river is not yet ready. In view of this, the opening is being postponed to November 12", External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said here.

The other two crossing points Balnoi in Mendhar and Silikot in Uri will be opened on November 14 and 16, respectively, he said.

First crossing point was opened at Chakan da Bagh on Monday while the second was opened today.

The two sides had agreed on October 29 to open five centres on the LoC to provide relief and medical assistance to quake victims from both sides of Kashmir.

It was agreed that because of non-availability of or damage to infrastructure on these points, crossings across the LoC would be permitted on foot.

The parameters and procedures as already agreed upon between the two sides being used for the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service would be utilised for the above additional crossings and both will endeavor to expedite the clearance process preferably within ten days.

It was also agreed that priority for crossings would be accorded to members of divided families on either side of LoC.