Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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India, Pakistan Start 2nd Kashmir Bus Service
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=12B0ACF:3919ACA Development seen
as another step in improved ties between rival countries India and
Pakistan have started a second passenger bus service across the
cease-fire Line of Control in Kashmir. The move is being seen as a
boost to the ongoing peace process between the two nuclear rivals.





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Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi, third right, waves off the bus
traveling to the Pakistan side of Kashmir, at Chakka Da Bagh, in
Poonch district, 250 kilometers (156 miles) northwest of Jammu, India

The service links Poonch in Indian Kashmir and Rawalakot in Pakistani
Kashmir. The Indian bus was carrying 66 passengers, 36 of whom were
from Pakistani Kashmir who were returning home.  On the Pakistani side
55 Pakistanis gathered at the Titrinote border post near the Line of
Control.

The passengers from the two sides crossed the border on foot, and then
took another bus to reach their destinations.

Security was tight for the inauguration, and no incidents were
reported. 

The first bus service to link the two Kashmirs started 14 months ago.

The second bus link was welcomed by Kashmiris. Many families have been
divided since the region was split when India and Pakistan fought
their first war in 1947.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.


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