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Kashmir peace buses cross border today

PTI, Srinagar
Terrorists may have issued repeated threats to them but the desire to meet their separated loved ones is too strong to stop the people from taking the first bus to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
At least 24 of the 29 passengers expected to travel by the two inaugural buses today have already booked their tickets, ignoring threats and demonstrating a determination to make the historic effort a success.
Three passengers have opted out due to technical reasons, while two are yet to report to the authori-
ties.
Billed as the biggest confidencebuilding measure between India and Pakistan directly affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the bus service is aimed at reuniting families of the state divided by the LoC after 57 years.
"I am sure nothing is going to happen during the journey. Let us see what happens later," said 62-year-old Khalid Hussain, one of the passengers bound for Muzaffara-bad.
Hussain, who is travelling to Mirpur to meet his cousin, was threatened over his mobile phone by a caller from London. Earlier, his
name figured in the list of people threatened by four terrorist groups through a statement issued to the media.
"Threats are common in Jammu and Kashmir. We have to take these in our strides," he told the agency.
Hussain's wife Nasreen, who is undertaking the journey along with him, too is unperturbed. "I don't worry about the threats," she said. "Anyhow, everyone is going and so am I," she added.
Hussain says his relatives in Mirpur have also heard about the threat. "But they have said we should not cancel the visit," he said. FROM PAGE 16
However, three prospective passengers have opted out citing technical reasons, official sources said.
Abdul Haq Chesti and his mother Hajira Begum have decided not to undertake the journey, as Hajira was bed-ridden and unable to move.
The sources said another person has also opted out of the travel on health grounds. He is scheduled to undergo surgery on April 8, the sources said.
Two persons, who were among those selected to travel on the inaugural bus, have not reported to the authorities so far, the sources said.