Trade route opens between divided Kashmir

NEW DELHI, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- India and Pakistan have opened a trade route in the divided area of Kashmir for the first time in six decades.

Officials in Indian and Pakistani Kashmir say they are hopeful the measure will ease tensions in the region, Voice of America reported Tuesday.

In Indian Kashmir, banners said "Long live trade across the two sides," while in Pakistani Kashmir, white doves of peace were released as trucks carrying goods began their journey.

Trade across the route is restricted. Only four trucks from each side will be allowed to ferry a limited set of goods, once a week.

The trade route's opening came four months after Indian Kashmir was wracked my massive anti-India protests led by separatist groups. They demanded the opening of a trade route to Pakistan.

"First steps are first steps, but it is the last step which will determine whether the dispute on Kashmir has permanently been settled or not," said Abdul Ghani Bhat, the leader of the separatist alliance.