For the last several days there have been reports in the media, and statements attributed to various people, particularly in J&K that on account of the alleged “economic blockade” of the Kashmir Valley, the route to Muzaffarabad, across the Line of Control (LoC), should be opened for trade. Particular emphasis has been given in this context to the transportation of fruits from the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country, and to alleged shortages of essential commodities in the State. In the process elements who have been opposed to normalisation of the situation in the sensitive State, have also got an opportunity to misguide the people.
In the wake of the recent agitation pertaining to the controversy around land for facilities for Amarnath Yatris, there had been some disruptions of movement along the national highway. Not only have these disruptions been cleared, but it has also been categorically stated that free movement along the national highway will be ensured. In fact there have been no bottlenecks ever since some initial disruptions were there for 3-4 days. Unfortunately, due to calls for bandhs and other protests in the Kashmir Valley, despite the fact that the highway is through, there have been difficulties in the full and free movement of goods and traffic. At the same time the situation is being exploited to raise demands and slogans for opening the cross LoC route for trade and movement of goods.
It is already in the public knowledge, that as a part of the Composite Dialogue with Pakistan, and Confidence Building Measures, inter alia, the Government of India has taken the initiative to facilitate travel of persons across the LoC along the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes and in recent discussions with Pakistan, efforts are also being made to increase the frequency of the bus travel. To build further on these initiatives, as early as on 15 April 2005 it had been agreed with Pakistan that truck services across the LoC would also be initiated to promote trade.
In May 2006 in the Working Group on Cross LOC CBMs both sides exchanged indicative lists of goods for trade. It was agreed that the delegations from Chambers of Commerce from either side of the LOC would undertake visits at the earliest to discuss various aspects of the trade. It was also agreed to start the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad truck service to facilitate cross-LOC trade in the first half of July 2006. Our list of 80 businessmen to visit was given to Pakistan in May 2006. However, visits by Chambers of Commerce have still not occurred in the absence of Pakistani clearance.
During the meeting of the working group on cross-LOC CBMs in July 2008 a number of decisions were taken to simplify cross-LOC movements such as simplifying procedures for issue of travel permits, and making the two cross-LOC bus services weekly. To begin cross-LOC trade as soon as possible India proposed that trade begin immediately on the basis of the lists of items proposed by each side for import and export. Pakistan, however, presented a fresh list, common for both imports and exports and certain other conditions. When pressed, the Pakistan delegation agreed to reconsider so that trade could proceed on the basis of the earlier agreement on the basis of agreed lists for import and export of both sides.
It was also agreed that respective chambers would visit each other to finalise modalities and firm up commercial contracts at the earliest. We had emphasised to Pakistan that they should not insist on procedural issues raised by them as that would tie up the whole issue in a morass of red tape and further delay the initiation of cross-LOC trade. India is ready to commence cross-LOC trade, but awaits Pakistani willingness to implement the agreement reached in April 2005.
Keeping the above background in view, a team of senior officers also visited Jammu & Kashmir last month to look at the status and requirements of infrastructure for trade on both the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes, and further action to put in place the required infrastructure is underway.
An effort has been made by some elements to try and project that there have been delays on the part of the Government of India in the process of commencement of cross LoC trade. The facts are otherwise, and Government of India has been assiduously pursuing the matter as would be seen from the position brought out earlier and has, in fact, suggested further cross LoC Confidence Building Measures which will continue to be pursued with Pakistan. It is hoped that the people in Jammu & Kashmir, and particularly the Kashmir Valley, do not allow themselves to be influenced by misleading propaganda, and in that context, allow themselves to get involved in activities which have disrupted the peace and normalcy of the State, the daily lives of the people including the education of the children, supplies of basic day to day commodities, normal business and other activities, particularly, tourism which is one of the mainstays of the economy of the State.
OK/PKM/SNP
(Release ID :41393)