The allegations came as the United Nations appealed for nations to give more aid, warning of another wave of deaths unless relief arrives for the more than 3 million people left homeless by the quake before the harsh Himalayan winter hits in less than a month.
''We urgently need tents, shelter and helicopters for inaccessible areas," said Jan van de Moortele, the UN's humanitarian aid coordinator for Pakistan. ''Time is against us. We can buy everything with money, but not time."
Since the earthquake, General Pervez Musharraf, president of Pakistan, has called for people to be allowed to cross the Line of Control, as the border between the Indian- and Pakistani-controlled parts of Kashmir is known. The border has long been regarded as one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints.
On Friday, Musharraf reiterated his support for the idea in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corp.: ''Let people come and help this side or our people go across that side to help in reconstruction. Wherever or whoever wants to do that, let's do it."
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said yesterday that earthquake victims would be allowed to cross the border for medical treatment, provisions, and shelter in three camps that could start operating as soon as Tuesday.
Pakistanis could cross the border after undergoing a security check and only during daylight hours, Sarna said. The plan also calls for Indians to be allowed to cross into Pakistan to visit relatives in relief camps there, he said.
Permitting Kashmiris to cross the Line of Control would be a sign of mounting trust between the longtime rivals, raising hopes the shared tragedy of the earthquake could help the countries forge peace. India has sent tons of relief goods to Pakistan by air and land.
