SRINAGAR: Thousands of Kashmiri families in Occupied Kashmir have been waiting for an opportunity to meet their relatives after India and Pakistan opened several crossing points along the Line of Control (LoC) in early 2000. Around 7000 families in occupied territory are unable to meet their relatives in Azad Jammu & Kashmir due to tough travel procedures. Only 3536 persons out of total of 15,390 applicants had been able to undertake trip over LoC since opening of crossing points in Uri, Poonch, Teetwal & Balnoi areas. Sources in Srinagar said 15,390 applications had been received for travel across LoC through Srinagar- Muzaffarabad and Poonch- Rawalakot bus services, of which 11,250 were cleared after verification at Srinagar. But only 3536 passengers were allowed entry while 450 others unable to take trip due to personal reasons. A crossing point was opened after October 8, 2005 devastating earthquake for people of border area Karnah to meet with their divided families. This step aroused delight among Kashmiris but many people remained deprived of facility because of tough travel procedures.—PPI