Muzaffar Raina Posted online: Monday, November 07, 2005 at 0317 hours IST Updated: Monday, November 07, 2005 at 1022 hours IST
Srinagar, November 6: In another such incident in post-quake Jammu and Kashmir, the Army today returned a UN chopper to Pakistan after it landed at Udoosa, two km inside Kaman bridge—the symbol of Indo-Pak bonhomie. The chopper, carrying Pakistani and international journalists, had strayed into the Indian territory.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir, Abdus Subhan Lone said the chopper was allowed to return after an hour. Initial reports said it was carrying senior Pakistani and Russian officers. ‘‘The reports turned out to be wrong. Now it is confirmed that they were journalists. The chopper was to land at Chakoti but landed inadvertantly at Udoosa’’, DIG Lone said.
Police sources said the chopper, with 11 people aboard, had taken off from Muzaffarabad for forward areas where the journalists were to survey relief operations in the quake-hit areas. ‘‘It strayed across the LoC. All 11 persons were detained for verification and the chopper was allowed to return after clearance from higher ups”, said an officer, adding that those on board were served snacks and tea. ‘‘They remained at the helipad for one hour and 10 minutes after which their chopper took off for the return journey”, he said.
After the October 8 quake, there have been several such incidents. On the next day of the quake, Pakistani Army had returned an Indian soldier who had strayed across the LoC in Tanghdar. A number of people who had gone to PoK in the peace bus also returned on foot, taking advantage of the post-quake choas along the LoC. In another such incident, some Indian soldiers had crossed the LoC to provide “helping hand” to their counterparts. Both India and Pakistan, however, later played down these reports. Two days ago, a UN chopper from across the LoC had reportedly landed at a makeshift helipad in Teetwal and left after a brief stay. The administration had denied the incident.
