Clad in a frayed feran and gray dupatta, Fatima, 75, is among the first to arrive at the police control room as the government began free phone services from Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Escorted by her three children, she waits for her turn to call up daughter Hafeeza’s family in Muzaffarabad. Hafeeza has lost her 17-year-old son in the quake but the family has kept the news from Fatima. As her turn comes, they know it won’t be long before she comes to know.They didn’t have to worry. Fatima has only a cellphone number and these services do not cover mobile networks. The officials tell Fatima. But she lingers, hoping they will connect her. After a few minutes, she leaves, disappointed.Abdul Aziz Lone from Uri is luckier. He has just spoken to his sister Yasmeen from Nilochi, Muzaffarabad. ‘‘Are you alright? Are your children fine? I am ok. Our house was damaged. Thank God, lives were saved. You don’t worry. Take care,’’ Aziz manages to blurt out before he breaks down. ‘‘I am overjoyed, my sister is alive,’’ he says, almost dropping the phone’s receiver.There were dramatic scenes today as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited began its free phone services for divided families. The move came a day after President Musharraf suggested the opening of the Line of Control to allow the people on both sides of Kashmir to meet and help each other. Toll-free ISD telephones have been installed at Disaster Management Control Rooms in Jammu, Srinagar, Tangdhar and Uri. The last two areas bore the brunt of the earthquake on this side of LoC. The facility will be available for 15 days.‘‘The lines have been set up to facilitate those who have relatives in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to enquire about their well-being,’’ Home Secretary VK Duggal said at a press conference here.Deputy General Manager Mufti Masharib said the trunk exchange, set up for the purpose, does not have connectivity with cellphones. Besides, the facility is limited to Muzaffarabad, as per the directions from the Centre.
