Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 25: Minister of Industries and Commerce Chander Parkash Ganga today said the Centre is committed to expand cross LoC trade despite roadblocks being created by Pakistan.
The Minister was speaking to a gathering of cross-LoC traders and representatives of various trade bodies of the State.
The Minister congratulated the traders on the eve of completion of seventh year of cross LoC trade and hoped that it will touch new heights of success in near future.
Responding to various demands from traders, the minister said that Government of India is committed to expand cross-LoC trade despite problems being created by Pakistan.
“The installation of full body scanners would have been an important initiative for boosting cross-LoC trade, but when we talked to Pakistan Government there was not interested in its installation,” the Minister said. “Similarly there are other hurdles being created from other side which is preventing this trade from realizing its full potential,” he added.
The Minister said that the entire cross LoC trade is an investment in peace and every effort will be taken to keep it thriving. “Our Chief Minister is particularly interested in this trade and he has already ordered to improve the facilities and repair the approach roads,” the minister said.
He said that all the demands from the traders would be taken up with the Union Government for their quick redressal.
He also said that the Government will suggest meeting of traders from both across the LoC at the zero point on a regular basis to sort out issues hampering the trade.
The Minister stressed on the need to increase cross LoC tourism. He said that people coming from the other side or going from this side would be doing so according to rules and regulations and there shouldn’t be any problem in enhancing the tourism. He said that it will create new avenues for employment and will also contribute towards peace.
A 15 minute documentary made on the cross LoC trade was also screened on the occasion.
Those who participated in the interactive meeting included Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Shailender Kumar, representatives of various trade bodies from Kashmir and Jammu Divisions.
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