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Easing of Visa rules doesn't change LoC status

India on Tuesday said its decision to open check posts along the international border and the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in no way changed the existing status of the Line of Control.

"We are not conferring upon the LoC any other status other than the one which exists at present," external affairs ministry spokesperson Nirupama Rao said in response to questions.

"We have just established an administrative convenience for people on both sides," she said.

She said no decision had been taken as yet on identifying the designated points along the International Border and the LoC. The Indian proposals had been conveyed to Pakistan and its response was awaited.

It will depend on their (Pakistan's) response also.

However, she also said India is going ahead and making preparations to identify the points.

In a path-breaking decision, government had on Monday announced its decision to allow Pakistani passport holders to come by road route and obtain visas at the check-post at Attari.

It was also decided that similar check posts would be opened at Munabao in Rajasthan and designated points along the international border and LoC.

The spokesperson said that from the Indian side the focus of the talks would be on building trust and confidence

The spokesperson also said she did not rule out a separate meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries.

She said no decision had been taken as yet on having a joint press conference by the two leaders.

PTI

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