The Centre is planning a slew of measures focused on opening the trans-LOC trade between India and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a move to placate Kashmiris
NEW DELHI: The Centre is planning a slew of measures focused on opening the trans-LOC trade between India and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a move to placate Kashmiris into shunning the ongoing path of agitation to bring peace in the Valley.
The proposal includes opening two trade points - one each on Poonch-Rawalakot and other on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad routes - which have been delayed due to inaction from across the border.
A high-level team comprising home ministry and the state government officials quietly visited the Srinagar-Muzzafarabad route on Saturday and Sunday for an on-the-spot inspection to create facilities for the bilateral trade between India and Pakistan. The team, however, failed to reach the Poonch sector due to inclement weather.
The sudden activity on the part of the Centre on trans-LOC trade front has resulted due to high-pitched campaign by the Peoples Democratic Party and some separatist groups in Kashmir for opening these trade routes. The voices had become shriller particularly after the separatists were able to raise the bogey of Jammu-Kashmir highway blockade by the Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti last month.
The team, which visited Kaman Post, also inspected the temporary facilities being created for the purpose of Customs clearance at Salamabad on Srinagar-Muzzafarabad route. A blueprint has been drawn by the Centre to provide world-class facilities on the two proposed trade routes, the ministry sources said.
The sources further said that despite total inaction on the part of the Pakistan on trans-LoC trade, the Centre has decided to initiate certain measures on its own and be seen as moving forward in this direction. The move is meant to convince the Kashmiris that the government was keen to start bilateral trade with Pakistan notwithstanding total reluctance from across the border. The team would soon inspect the Poonch-Rawalakot route.
The government of India has been awaiting response to certain proposals sent by it in 2006-07 to Islamabad for a forward movement on trade.
a_anand@dnaindia.net
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