SKARDU: Divided families on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) have demanded of the Pakistani and Indian governments to reopen the Khaplu-Ladakh and Skardu-Kargil routes so they could meet their dear ones separated from them during the 1948 and 1971 wars.

The divided families have to use Wagha border to meet their loved ones, which not only costs them considerable amount of time, but also money, which they couldn’t afford.

On the night of December 31, 1971 almost all the residents of Chulunkha area of Chorbat valley in Siachen had to vacate their houses after war erupted between Pakistan and India. They resettled in different parts of Baltistan on Pakistani side.

But, unfortunately the dream of the displaced families of Chorbat valley, which comprised Chulunkha Turtuk, Tiaqsi and Dowey Thang, to return to their homes, never fulfilled despite ceasefire between the two countries.

Haji Abdul Majeed, along with four others arrived at the Skardu airport here after crossing over the Wagha border a few days ago, having travelled a distance of 4,000 kilometers from Tiaqshi area on the Indian side to meet his son here. “If the route is reopened between Khaplu and Ladakh we will reach here in only four hours via Frano border,” said Mr Majeed.

Travelling through Wagha border is not only time consuming but also very expensive for the poor divided families,” he said.

Mr Majeed was accompanied by Haji Abdul Karim from Turtuk, Sher Mohammad and his cousin, Shah Jehan Begum from Chulunkha.

Touching scenes were witnessed at the Skardu airport upon their arrival as hundreds of their relatives had gathered there to accord tearful welcome to their loved ones. As if only tears were not enough, two elder sisters of Shah Jehan Begum and Sher Mohammad got fainted after embracing their dear ones after 44 years of separation.

Haji Abdul Karim said when he went to offer Fateha at the grave of his elder brother, Subedar Major retired Sher Ali in Rawalpindi he could not control his tears. Sher Ali was serving in Pak Army during the 1971 war.

“Alas! I could not see my brother during his illness. I tried to come to Pakistan to meet my elder brother and his family a few years ago but could not do so due to difficult visa process,” regretted Abdul Karim.

The four guests were taken to Sherthang village of Skardu in a large rally of vehicles and motorcycles. Here, the guests were served with a welcome feast attended by hundreds of their relatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Karim thanked all relatives in Baltistan for taking care and giving respect. He requested the governments of Pakistan and India to reopen the Khaplu-Ladakh and Skardu-Kargil roads as was done with other routes on the LoC.