Bus service resumes as tensions reduce at LoC

Poonch-Rawalakot bus service, which had closed after the recent aggression at the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, resumed on Monday to resounding cheers from stranded passengers in the valley.

Following New Delhi's tough stand on the issue of mutilation of a soldier by Pakistani troops, Islamabad had on January 11 suspended the bus service between Rawalakot and Poonch indefinitely.

Some passengers were left stranded for almost a month as they waited for the resumption of the bus service.

"I am happy that this route has been opened again and we appeal to both governments to not stop this service ever again. There should not be any tension at the border because it affects the civilians most as it hampers cross-border relations," said Mushtaq Hussain, a passenger leaving for Rawalakot.

Tension between the two neighbours has escalated following the repeated ceasefire violations and killing of tow Indian soldiers along the LoC in Mendhar sector on January 8.

However, Pakistan has denied New Delhi's claim that its troops crossed the LoC to ambush a patrol party in the Mendhar sector in Poonch district.