Electronic linking of Kashmir, PoK proposed

In a move aimed at facilitating movement across the Line of Control (LoC), India is likely to moot a proposal to Pakistan for 'e-linking' Srinagar and Muzaffarabad for quick clearance of documents of people travelling between Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

This was discussed at a meeting held here by the external affairs ministry to review progress on confidence""building measures initiated by the two countries, especially on Kashmir, informed sources said.

The proposal, which came from the Jammu and Kashmir government, will do away with cumbersome and time-consuming procedures under which applications for travel get delayed for months.

Under the proposal, which is being seriously discussed in the ministry, two nodal offices will be earmarked in Srinagar and Muzaffarabad and e-linked to each other. This will ensure that all applications are processed "as quickly as possible", the sources said.

This is also expected to do away with official wrangling and lengthy procedures. Officials hope that travel permits could be issued within a few days rather than months.

The proposal was discussed with Central security agencies, which gave their nod to it and even suggested a secure line for networking the two offices in Jammu and Kashmir and PoK.

According to existing procedures, officials of the two sides meet once a month at Kaman post in Uri in north Kashmir and exchange documents of people who intend to travel across the LoC.