Funeral across LoC highlights need to reopen cross-LoC points for divided families
A unique funeral for Raja Liaquat Ali Khan, whose family members in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) watched from across the Kishanganga river, has reignited calls to reopen Line of Control (LoC) crossing points in Kashmir. Khan, a resident of Kupwara, had family divided by the LoC since the militancy turmoil of 1989-90. While former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had facilitated meetings on humanitarian grounds, cross-LoC trade and bus services were suspended in 2019 after the Balakote strikes, impacting divided families. Netizens and Kashmiri organizations are now demanding a review of the policy to allow families to meet.
Key Points
- A funeral held across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir has brought renewed attention to the plight of divided families and the need to reopen crossing points.
- Cross-LoC trade and bus services, which facilitated contact for divided families, were suspended in 2019 following the Balakote strikes.
- The suspension has severely impacted families separated by the LoC, preventing them from meeting even for significant life events.
- There is a growing demand from netizens and Kashmiri organizations for a policy review to allow humanitarian crossings.
- Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had previously allowed such meetings on humanitarian grounds.
Exam Facts
- Kishanganga river (known as Neelam in PoK): separates parts of LoC.
- Cross-LoC trade and bus service suspended: 2019 (after Balakote strikes).
- Cross-LoC bus service started: April 7, 2005 (between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad).
- All-India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) president: Ravinder Pandita.
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