Cross-Kashmir buses make inaugural run

The first passengers on the first cross-Kashmir bus service in 60 years made history Thursday as they crossed the Line of Control that divides the region.

Some of the passengers on the bus from the Pakistani-controlled sector shed tears as they crossed into the Indian-controlled side, the BBC reported.

The two buses -- one leaving Srinagar on the Indian side with about 24 passengers and the other leaving Muzaffarabad on the Pakistani side with about 30 passengers -- were both sent off amid fanfare by high officials, including India's prime minister.

The buses stopped at the Line of Control, and the passengers disembarked and crossed the line to the bus on the other side to continue their journey.

The bus from the Indian side came under attack from a rifle grenade about 13 miles outside Srinagar, but the grenade missed its target and no one was injured.

Militants opposed to Indian rule have vowed to disrupt the buses. Two rebels were shot dead Wednesday when they attacked a Srinagar compound housing bus passengers.

The new service is being seen as a symbol of improving relations between India and Pakistan, which both claim Kashmir in its entirety.

© Copyright 2005 by United Press International