(a) the details of items traded between the cross—Line of Control during the last three years, year-wise and item-wise;
(b) whether there is lack of proper checking on the trade between Line of Control (LoC);
(c) if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps being taken in this regard;
(d) whether trade of non-State items have been increasing between the countries; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) to (e) LOC trade between Salamabad on the Indian side and Chakoti on the Pakistani side on
Srinagar – Muzzafarabad Highway; and between Chakkanda-bagh on Indian side and Rawalkote on
the Pakistan side commenced as a confidence building measure (CBM) with effect from
21.10.2008. Both sides can trade 21 items as indicated in the list annexed hereto.
The objective behind allowing this trade is to facilitate movement of goods traditionally
exchanged between the two sides, to maintain people to people contact and to allow access to
nearby markets for local produce. It has been reported that quantities of items traded
between two sides have increased in the month of March 2009 over the figures reported for
October, 2008. Steps have been initiated to improve facilitation mechanism on entry/exit
points so that only trade of products in the agreed lists is allowed.