Mirwaiz demanded opening of LOC for Quake survivors

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Separatist leader and Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, demanded the opening of the Line of Control for the October 8 quake survivors.

Mirwaiz, while addressing the special Friday prayer congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, said that he agreed with the proposal by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to open the line of control (LoC).

Indian officials are also due in Pakistan to discuss the opening up the LoC for the earthquake survivors, as the United Nations said that an aid shortfall could ground a lifesaving helicopter fleet.

Relief has still to reach many places, particularly valleys close to the frontier between PoK and Kashmir and many families have been left living in the open or under basic cover, like cotton and plastic sheets.

Pakistan proposed for five crossing points at the LoC for facilitating relief and rehabilitation work in the earthquake-affected areas.