Srinagar: From being billed as mother of "all confidence building measures" to derision as a "cosmetic step", Srinagar-Muzaffarabad cross-LoC bus service has survived tensions between India and Pakistan including Mumbai terror attacks and numerous ceasefire violations along the LoC to complete 10 years of its operation today.


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Suspended several times over variety of reasons, the bus service has proved to be boon to thousands of people from divided families living on either side of Line of Control in the state.


The bus service faced opposition from different quarters including militants. 2008 devastating earthquake had damaged the 'Aman Sethu' bridge connecting this side with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.


Named as 'karvan-e-aman' (peace Carvan) and billed as mother of all confidence building measures, the bus service between Srinagar and PoK capital was flagged off by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on April 7, 2005, a day after militants carried out a suicide attack aimed at disrupting the bus service before its flagging off.


However, the bus service continued its 170-km run between the two parts, bringing close the families divided for decades.


Those desirous of travel on the bus have to apply at the Regional Passport Office in Srinagar, which is the designated authority to evaluate applications, verify identities and issue entry permits.


Given the popularity of the bus service, the frequency was increased. From fortnightly at the time of the inception the service was made weekly few years later.