Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Feb 20: For the first time after the cross LoC trade activities commenced between India and Pakistan though Chakan-da-Bagh LoC point in Poonch, two firms on both sides of the LoC have been black-listed for carrying out any business ties further.
The Poonch based firm has been black-listed for cross LoC trade via Chakan-da-Bagh while Indian authorities today conveyed the Pak authorities to ban a Rawalakot based firm as it was found supplying cartridges of AK-47 rifles, concealed under goods twice in last three months.
Authoritative sources told the Excelsior that M/S Dewan Traders of Poonch has been blacklisted for the cross LoC trade after some cartridges of AK-47 rifle were recovered from the goods destined to him from Rawalakot in Pak occupied Kashmir twice. A trader Hamid Raza Hashmi from Rawalakot in PoK had sent the goods (almonds) to the Poonch based firm.
During scanning at the Chakan-da-Bagh trade facilitation centre, the Indian authorities had detected some cartridges concealed in almond boxes, apparently for trial. The attempt to smuggle ammunition was however foiled on two occasions in last three months.
General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC) Poonch, Krishan Lal confirmed that on the basis of its involvement in illegal activities, the Poonch based firm has been black-listed and Pak authorities through Indian Trade Facilitation Officer, Paramjeet Singh were today conveyed that Rawalakot (PoK) based firm, owned by Fazal Rehman Hashmi, be banned for the cross LoC trade as the same firm was found sending some cartridges concealed in almonds to M/S Dewan Traders of Poonch twice in last 3-4 months. On the basis of the illegal activities, both the firms have been debarred from carrying further trade activities through Chakan-da-Bagh LoC point.
It has been decided at the higher level that goods sent by this Rawalakote based firm will not be accepted in future at all the LoC points here and the authorities in Pakistan in this concerned have been sounded appropriately.
Mr Lal further disclosed that this was for the first time that any firm involved in the cross LoC Trade was penalized at this cross LoC trade centre.
He said on one occasion a PoK visitor was arrested at the Chakan-da-Bagh after a satellite camera was found concealed in his suit case by the Indian authorities. He was coming to meet his relatives in Mendhar area. He was arrested and a case registered against him.
Meanwhile, total 19 trucks loaded with goods crossed sides at Chakan-da-Bagh LoC point today. The PoK traders sent goods including dry fruits and herbs worth Rs 51 lakhs to the Indian side while Indian traders sent goods worth Rs 40 lakh in 13 trucks to PoK today. Majority of the goods included fresh fruits. The LoC point was opened between 12 noon to 1 pm and then between 3 and 3.30 pm. Paramjeet Singh from Indian side and Fazal Rehman from Pak side facilitated the trade.
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