Fifth Kashmir border point opens

The partial border opening comes after years of mistrust

India and Pakistan have opened a fifth point on the Line of Control dividing Kashmir to ease the flow of aid to survivors of last month's earthquake.

Relief material was exchanged at the point between Hajipur and Uri, but civilians were not allowed to cross.

There has been disappointment that red tape has so far delayed civilian crossings, a key feature of the deal.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has called for more money for hundreds of thousands of quake victims.

Map of earthquake zone

"We hope the international community assists us in this hour of need," he told reporters in Rawalpindi.

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Kashmir dispute

"I have spoken to world leaders and their responses have been very positive."

His appeal came ahead of a key international donors conference at the weekend, which UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is due to attend.

Pakistan's government puts the financial cost of the 8 October quake at more than $5bn. The UN has accused countries of failing to back pledges with cash.

Shelter

The agreement to partially open Kashmir's de facto border was struck at the end of last month.

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It was intended to allow Kashmiris divided by years of conflict to help each other following the quake.

India is said to be concerned that Muslim militants could try to infiltrate into territory it controls under the guise of meeting family members.

Both sides have blamed each other for the hold-ups.

The BBC's Altaf Hussain in Srinagar says civilians are expected to cross from 24 November.

An estimated three million people are homeless in the earthquake zone, and aid officials are desperately trying to provide shelter before the harsh Himalayan winter sets in.

Pakistan says the death toll stands at more than 73,000. Nearly 1,400 people died in Indian-administered Kashmir, officials say.

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