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| Cross LoC trade | | No communication, no direct access to markets still Rs 200 Cr trade in 8 months | |
SANDEEP BHATT
Jammu, June 30: It is simply not business by any means. No communication, no exchange of currency and no direct access to the markets. Still the cross-LoC trade between two parts of the divided Jammu and Kashmir has crossed Rs 200 Crores mark in around eight months. This gesture of goodwill and mutual trust strongly suggests a strong urge, both sides, for carrying forward the ties snapped by unfortunate circumstances six decades back.
Since October 22-23, 2008 the trade between two sides of the Line of Control has been not a smooth affair. Many problems surfaced in cross LoC trade like absence of proper rules to monitor cross-LoC trade, absence of a banking facility for currency exchange, Standing Operational Procedures (SOP) and many others.
It hasn’t been the Kashmiri apples and other states products that are being traded between the two sides. Rather, garlic from China, moong dal from Pakistan, onion from Punjab and coconut from southern and western Indian states are packed in most of the consignments which is not mentioned in the list prepared by both sides for trade. Not only this, import of Khaskhas (poppy seeds) –a banned item from PoK was detected at Chakkan da Bagh in Poonch. Still the trade between two sides is continuing in spite of number of problems. There are other items which is being traded like rice, maize, dry fruit, leather footwear, peshawari chappals etc.
Zulfikar Abbasi, president Muzzafarabad chamber of commerce, said, during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir last year that the trade would be conducted through “a mixture of barter and dual currency. Explaining the system, he said trades on either side will exchange their goods and remit any differentials after sales to the other side through normal banking channels. At present, cross LoC trade is taking place from two sides –
Chakkan da Bagh in Poonch and Salamabad (Kaman post) in Uri.
Mubeen Shah, president, Kashmir chamber of commerce and industry, talking to Early Times, said that this is yet a symbolic gesture and will turn to full fledged trade soon. This is an important confidence building measures between the two countries (India and Pakistan). Despite of cold relations at present between the two neighbours, the LoC trade is continuing. He further said till now, the LoC trade ranges between 40 to 50 crores and expects it to grow more till the end of this year.
He demanded direct telecommunication and banking facility between the two sides which will boost trade and remove confusions among the business community.
Gulam Rasool Bhat, president, fruit growers and dealers association said that when the process of cross LoC trade was gaining momentum impediments are created. He further accused that both state and centre govt. is trying to create hurdles in the cross LoC trade. In the beginning fruit growers showed enthusiasm but now have disillusioned with the system and have stopped sending their consignments to PoK.
Shakil Qualandar, president, federation of industries Kashmir said that the trade between the two countries which started on October 1st 2008 is still in early stages and it will take more time to make it a full fledged trade route like Wagha Attari border in Punjab. He further said this is an important CBM between the two countries which needs to get proper attention by the concerned authorities and added that there should be more facilities at the entry and exit points so that the businessmen of the state feel happy.
Ram Sahai, president, chamber of commerce and industry, Jammu, in conversation with ET, said that since the quantum of trade has increased manifold, but it is below expectation. Lack of banking facility and direct telecommunication is one of the main factor. He further said, till date around 45-50 crore of items have been imported from PoK and around 70 crores worth items have been exported. Till date, the cross LoC trade from Chakoti Uri to Muzafarrabad is around 42 crores (export) and 22 crores approximately (import) during the last nine months and from Poonch Rawalakote to other PoK is around 82 crores (export) and 72 crores (import). This shows the transaction of LoC trade is more from Poonch Rawalakote route as compare to Chakoti Uri – Muzafarrabad. Traders from Kashmir valley face lot of problems in sending their consignments to PoK. From Kashmir route, only 1.2 ton (truck) vehicle carrying items is allowed to transship the consignment to other part while from Jammu route 9 ton (truck) vehicle is allowed for trans LoC trade. This is one of the factor for low transaction from Uri route.
It will cross 100 crores, if more facilities will be given. Inspite of two days a week, the trade should continue for full week, he added.
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