Javid A Malla
Baramulla, Oct 3: The cross LoC trade between India and Pak is likely to resume in coming days via Uri after traders suspended the ongoing strike and agreed to resume the trade following successful meeting between the traders and authorities at New Delhi. The trade was to resume on Thursday, but it could not be done due to absence of traders and goods at Salamabad Trade center. The traders agreed to suspend the strike which started on 03 September, in the wake of the Customs Department's order disallowing trade of goods produced in Pakistan. It was agreed to revisit theCustoms order and adhere to the SOP and ban on trade of "third country origin goods" like those from China. Following the meeting, traders agreed to adhere to the standard operating procedure (SOP). Traders have also expressed their willingness to resume the business through the Salamabad - Chakoti route.
The traders have handed over a formal letter to the Trade Facilitation Officer (TFO) at the Salamabad Trade Facilitation Centre; the traders said they were ready to resume the activity, urging the authorities to facilitate transportation of goods to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as early as possible. "We convened a meeting with the officials at the Salamabad Trade Facilitation Centre and informed them that the traders have decided to end their strike," president of the Salamabad-Chakoti Cross-LoC Traders Union Tariq Khan said, adding that traders had also agreed to stick to the SOP and trade in only 21 items on the list. Trade facilitation officer (custodian) at Salamabad Trade Center, Ehsan-ul-Haque while talking to Early Times said, that traders are ready to resume the trade activities. "They have themselves assured to the authorities to resume the trade.
The trade was likely to resume on Thursday, however goods were not ready at Centre for import, beside trucks were also not available. But we are hopeful that traders will keep goods ready in coming business days and the trade will be resumed" he said. Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Khaja Ghulam Ahmad who visited and reviewed the situation at Trade facilitation Centre, Uri. Said, the meeting was held at Delhi about the trade between traders and authorities . he said, the trade will likely resume on Tuesday. Pertinently Cross LoC trade was started between two countries as a good will gesture on October 2008. |
