SRINAGAR, Oct 24: A top Kashmiri leader criticised India’s plans to operate three relief camps for Pakistani earthquake survivors along the ceasefire border. India says survivors in Azad Kashmir can cross the Line of Control (LoC) to the camps for treatment and supplies then cross back again.

But Shabir Shah, one of the region’s leading leader, said the camps would fail to help survivors rebuild their homes and villages.

Instead, he said Kashmiris should be allowed to cross over to Azad Kashmir to assist survivors, as long as they registered with the army at border checkpoints.

“It will not serve any purpose. It is a mere eyewash,” Mr Shah said of the camps.

“People in Azad Kashmir need us there. They want our help in rebuilding their homes and lives,” Mr Shah said referring to Azad Kashmir.

“They have lost their families. They need consolation. You are making them walk up to your relief camps and not taking relief to them,” he said.

—AFP