India offers Kashmir aid points

Pakistan had suggested opening the LoC to provide relief to quake victims

India has offered to open three relief centres for victims of the South Asia earthquake along the Line of Control (LoC) in divided Kashmir.

Survivors from both sides of the border could meet family members there and receive medical assistance, India's external affairs ministry announced.

A spokesman said the ministry was awaiting Pakistan's response.

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir, and relations between the two sides remain tense over the area.

The relief centres mooted would be at Kaman Post in Uri district, Tithwal in Tangdhar and Chakan Dabagh in Poonch.

They could be operational by 25 October, external affairs spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters.

"People from across the Line of Control will be allowed to come in during daylight hours after suitable screening and then return," Mr Sarna said.

He added they would have access to food, clothing and medical relief and would be allowed to meet relatives residing in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had earlier suggested opening up the heavily-militarised border to help the relief operation following the quake which killed more than 50,000 people.

Following India's offer, Pakistan announced it had submitted to New Delhi details of Mr Musharraf's plan to open the Kashmir border.