Amid tensions, cross- LoC trade resumes

Srinagar: Amid tension and diplomatic spats between India and Pakistan, cross- LoC trade activities between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, which remained suspended for two months due to the unrest in Kashmir, resumed on Tuesday. A dozen trucks with listed items reached a trade facilitation centre in Uri from various parts of the Valley before moving to Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK. However, only one truck came from PoK to this side of the border.

After remaining suspended for nearly two months due to the unrest in the Valley, the cross- LoC trade between Srinagar and Muzaffaabad resumed on Tuesday, officials here said.

The officials said that about a dozen trucks with listed merchandise reached Salamabad Trade Facilitation Centre in Uri sector from various parts of the Kashmir Valley before crossing the UriChakoti corridor for onward journey to Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan- occupiedKashmir.

However, only one truck came from PoK to this side of the de facto border, they added.

Earlier on September 19 and 26, the weekly cross- LoC bus plied between the two sides as per schedule despite tensions between India and Pakistan following Uri terror attack.

The trade between the two sides of the LoC was suspended on August 4 after Pakistan- occupied Kashmir traders announced to stay away from work for a week initially, to protest civilian killings and to express “solidarity with the people of held Kashmir”.

Twenty- one items, including eatables, garments and handicrafts, are traded on the twin routes — SrinagarMuzaffarabad in Kashmir and Poonch- Rawalakote in Jammu — on which around 50 trucks ply for four days a week.

Trade between the divided parts of Kashmir is considered as the second major confidence building measure ( CBM) after the launch of historic bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad on April 7, 2005. Although agreed upon by India and Pakistan in 2004, the trade became a reality on October 21, 2008.

Cross- Line- of- Control bus and truck services ply between the two sides also through PoonchRawlakote corridor in Jammu region.