Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 31: The trans-Line of Control (LoC) trade between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad has been suspended by the traders following complaints that the customs officials at Salamabad in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district are creating hurdles in the conduct of the trade.
SCTU general secretary, Hilal Turkey, said the traders will suspend their trade with Pakistani counterparts because of the numerous hurdles that haven’t been resolved yet by the State and Central Governments.
Turkey claimed due to bottlenecks the number of traders, that were 600 at the beginning, have gradually left the trade and now less than 50 traders are involved in it.
“The Customs officials are permitting us to trade in only Muzafarabad-based products, but not the Pakistani items. Since only two trade-able items are produced in Muzafarabad, even as per CBMs procedure, 21 items are to be traded from Pakistan side,” Turkey said.
Turkey alleged that Customs Department is under the influence of Amritsar Trade Union that is why hurdles are being created for them to stop the trade.
The general secretary said the Government is forcing us to become smugglers by not facilitating the trade and thus act as impediments.
Besides, customs officials the intelligence agencies like CID has also recommended the Government to “bar” those traders whose relatives have crossed across in 90s for arms training.
Turkey sought intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abudllah and Central Government in removing the hurdles so that they could carry on the trade as per the CBMs.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel