news details |
|
|
| Currency hurdle in cross-LoC trade: Mehbooba | | | Early Times report
Bandipora, May 08 – Calling for rejuvenating the Jammu and Kashmir specific LoC cooperation by removing all the existing impediments hampering free movement of people and goods across the two parts of the state, the Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has said that “The issues of communication, currency transaction and banking facilities need to be addressed with a sense of urgency to institutionalize the cross-LoC trade,”. She said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would like the two countries to workout a cooperative mechanism in which the whole State substantially benefits by growing cross-border commerce, trade and tourism in the region.
Addressing series of public meetings in Sonawari assembly segment of Baramulla parliamentary constituency today, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said while the opening of Srinagar-Muzafarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote roads for trade is a confidence building measure of immense significance, the two countries must, however, remove all the hiccups to make the cross-LoC trade meaningful and fruitful for the people of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the divide.
Mehbooba said the cross-LoC trade is proving to be a huge success with significant growth in exchange of goods every week, despite lack of adequate communication and transaction facilities. “The removal of restrictions on travel and trade will significantly remove the restrictions on the State’s economic growth,” she said and added that the economic future of Jammu and Kashmir is significantly linked to the liberty of its people to travel freely across the traditional routes of commerce and trade in the region. She said although PDP was being ridiculed by various quarters including Omar Abdullah for raising the demand of opening up of all the traditional routes in Jammu and Kashmir, today people across the board are acknowledging it as a significant measure of great economic value for the State.
The PDP President said despite being land-locked and handicapped by a difficult terrain, Kashmir has historically remained a vital link of the Asian trade, business and cultural exchange and that tradition needs to be rediscovered to realize the State’s full economic potential. “Opening up of all the traditional routes in Jammu and Kashmir, better connectivity with South and Central Asia, revival of the historic Silk Route and increased traffic on the Karakoram Highway will catapult the State from a tourist destination of the past to a paradise rediscovered,” she said.
Referring to the local issues, Mehbooba said the people of Sumbal-Sonawari belt despite having been given the National Conference their full support for years are the most exploited lot. She said nothing substantial was done by the previous NC governments for the development of this neglected area. “It was only during PDP-led Government that tangible measures were taken for the development and beautification of Manasbal Lake to make it a tourist destination of choice,” she said and added that the area has tremendous potential for economic growth if due attention is paid to the promotion of traditional economic activities in the area. She said for the up gradation o educational facilities in the area, a Degree College should be established at Sumbal.
PDP leaders Peer Mohammad Hussain, Aga Sayed Mehmood and Yasir Reshi also addressed the meetings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
