Cross LoC trade

Trade between the two parts of the State of Jammu and Kashmir was formally inaugurated in 2008 as a component of Confidence Building Measure between India and Pakistan. Two points were selected for the exchange. These are Salamabad in Uri-Muzaffarabad road and Chakan-da-Bagh on Poonch-Rawlakot road. The purpose of the step was to strengthen cordial relations between the two sides through trade and commerce. This was a noble attempt of reducing tension between the two sides. However, as we know, mistrust and ill intentions have marred relationship between the two sides for a long time. Naturally, it will take patience and endurance to overcome the negative approach and build bridges of understanding.
Cross-LoC trade along these two points has met with intermittent hiccups. In the first place, absence of adequate infrastructure on both sides has been a big hindrance to the trade. We know that trading points exist in many other countries along their borderline. However, these points have necessary wherewithal to make trading smooth and without hassles. Although seven years have gone by, necessary infrastructure along the two crossing points has not come up. The traders on both sides have been meeting and discussing that they should approach respective Governments to provide the necessary infrastructure. The Governments have not moved fast and have not responded to the demands of the traders. They asked for scanning, telephone, banking, rest rooms, waiting halls and other facilities as are provided in countries that conduct cross border trade.
Government of India did not respond to the rising demand of traders on our side at these two points because unfortunately PoK traders tried to misuse the facility of cross-LoC trade by smuggling narcotics, arms or fake currency illegally into our side and then pass them on to the conduits of insurgency and terror in Kashmir. Several instances of clandestine use of the facility came to notice, which resulted in temporary suspension of the trade and transport of trucks. Naturally, it led to tension between the two sides. It took several months to resolve the issues and resume trade. Therefore, in the first instance, PoK side has to understand that by allowing the traders on both sides the Government of India does not mean to close its eyes to the smuggling activities of the traders from the other side. Pakistan has to understand that smuggling of illegal commodities into Kashmir is not how trade is conducted.
As Track II talks between New Delhi and Islamabad are partly on the rails, a corollary of this is to address the loopholes in the trading system at two points in J&K. In this context, the Home Secretary along with a high level team recently paid a visit to both the LoC-cross border trading points to take stock of things and suggest improvement of trade without hassles.  The Home Secretary submitted his report to the Home Minister and it is learnt that the Minister has sanctioned 120 crore rupees for purchase of two full body scanners from foreign firms to be installed at two check posts of Salamabad and Chakan-da-Bagh. These full body scanners will scan the whole truck and its contents to ensure that unauthorized commodity is allowed to go unnoticed. Authorities have already identified the site for the scanner at these two points and global tenders will be placed soon for purchase of the machines. When this is done, it will be very easy to scan the truck in a short time and find out that no unlawful commodity is carried to the other side. It is a good step of the Home Ministry, and in a couple of months, the scanners will become functional. However, along with that, we would suggest that banking and telephone facilities, besides a meeting hall and toilets and teashops are also provided to make trading smooth and respectable. We expect the other side to reciprocate our goodwill and munificence.
However, in the context of full body scanners, we regret to say that this is unnecessary expenditure of a hefty amount of 120 crore rupees imposed by PoK side on us. Had their traders and truck drivers not indulged in attempts of smuggling of narcotics and fake currency etc. there was no need to purchase the full body scanners. If honesty and sincerity had been the guiding principles for them, trade and commerce would receive boost. We, therefore, like to convey a message to the traders and other concerned in PoK not to make any attempt of smuggling in illegal contents. We shall not allow it and if they persist, they have to understand the consequences. Unless there is transparency and honesty, trade along the two identified points cannot flourish though individual traders who want clean and transparent transactions to be made never want the system to be damaged or suspended. They feel the confidence building measure will succeed if given a chance.

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