MUZAFFARABAD, May 28: Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Indian authorities on Saturday met along the Line of Control to discuss issues relating to the 5th trans-Kashmir bus, scheduled to roll out on June 2. The Indian authorities also handed over five new names of prospective travellers from held Kashmir to Muzaffarabad deputy commissioner Liaqat Hussain for clearance and verification.

However, there were no names of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders who have shown willingness to travel to Muzaffarabad on the invitation of Pakistan government. “The meeting was held to sort out some practical issues which we discussed with each other before the (launch of) bus service,” Mr Hussain told Dawn.

He, however, said that another meeting would take place either on Monday or Tuesday during which it would be clear that who, including the Hurriyat leaders, would board the June 2 bus for Muzaffarabad.

Mr Hussain offered no comments, but it was obvious that formal clearance and verification would not be applied to the Kashmiri leaders. Since March 22, India has given 203 names to the Pakistan authorities, excluding the Saturday’s five names.