MUZAFFARABAD, Nov 12: Hundreds of divided Kashmiris watched with despair from hilltops as Indian and Pakistani officials opened the third crossing point along the Line of Control on Saturday for exchange of relief materials and not for their long-awaited movement across the divide to see and help their quake-stricken relatives.

The point, referred to as Nauseri-Tithwal, linked Chilyana village in Neelum valley to Tithwal village in occupied Kashmir through a steel suspension bridge built over the Neelum River by the Pakistan army for pedestrian traffic.

Pakistan army’s Lt-Col Shahid Bhutta shook hands with his Indian counterpart in the middle of the bridge amid applause by army and police personnel. The two officials were later joined by civilian officials from both sides.

On this side of the bridge fluttered the Pakistani and AJK flags at top of the mast, while on the other side the Indian flag flew at half mast due to the death of a former Indian president K.R. Narayanan.

The ceremonial exchange of relief goods started with porters from each side walking across the wooden planks to carry sacks of ration and blankets.

Talking to reporters, Brig Ashraf Tabassum said Pakistan army had erected the bridge in four days, making it ready for crossing on Nov 9.

But, he added, the Indians were not prepared for its opening and Nov 12 was chosen on their suggestion.

In reply to a question, he said the decision about the movement of people had not been taken although Pakistan was prepared for it.

“It depends on the two governments and we are here to implement the decisions,” he said.

Neelum Deputy Commissioner Raja Tariq Mahmood said that 130 application forms had been issued to intending visitors from divided families, of which 20 had been scrutinized.

APP adds: Brig Tabassum said the next dropping of relief goods and further deliveries would be decided through hotline on a day-to-day basis.

Earlier, ISPR Director-General Maj-Gen Shaukat Sultan said that another crossing point of Haji Pir Khawaja Bandi would be opened on Nov 16.

Describing the use of teargas by police at one crossing point a few days ago as a sad incident, he said police had to maintain sanctity of LoC.