Kashmir CBMs widely welcomed

All sections of people from Kashmir, cutting across party lines, welcomed the new set of confidence building measures mooted by the Indian and Pakistan foreign ministers on Wednesday.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the fresh initiatives on cross-LoC travel and trade as a “good step” on microblogging site Twitter.com. Moderate Hurriyat Conference on Wednesday said Kashmiris should be included in it to make the process fruitful.

Details: CMBs on Kashmir

Pakistan and India agreed on Wednesday to facilitate trade and travel on the Line of Control (LoC) – the de facto border between the two halves of the disputed Kashmir state. Following are the details of these confidence building measures (CBMs) on Kashmir:

CROSS–LoC TRADE:

i)  List of 21 products of permissible items for Cross-LoC trade will be respected by both sides. The Working Group will review the trading list with a view to further specifying permissible items to facilitate intra-Jammu &Kashmir Cross-LoC trade.

ii) Both sides will provide adequate facilities at the trade facilitation centres on each side.

iii)  The number of trading days stand enhanced from 2 to 4 days per week. Truck movements shall take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, both on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes.

iv)  The Designated Authorities will resolve operational issues concerning cross-LoC trade through regular interaction.

v)  Regular meetings between the Chambers of Commerce and traders of both sides will be facilitated.

vi)   Existing telephone communication facilities should be strengthened.

vii) The meetings of the Designated Authorities will be held alternately at the Terminal of the Crossing Points on both sides of the LoC every quarter or as and when deemed necessary.

CROSS-LoC TRAVEL

i)   Cross-LoC travel would be expanded on both sides of the LoC to include visits for tourism and religious pilgrimage. In this regard, the modalities will be worked out by both sides.

ii)  Facilities including waiting area, terminal and clearing procedures at the operational crossing points will be streamlined by both sides for smooth Cross-LoC travel.

iii) The Cross-LoC bus service between Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes will henceforth run on every Monday.

iv)  Application forms and requisite documentation in respect of travel across LoC will be exchanged by email between Designated Authorities of both sides. Such email transfer of application forms will be backed up by hard copies.

v)  Both sides will expedite the processing time for applications, which shall not be more than 45 days.

vi) Six month multiple entry cross-LoC travel permits will be allowed by the Designated Authorities after completion of the required formalities at an early date.

vii) Coordination meetings between the Designated Authorities will be held at the Terminals alternately on both sides of the LoC every quarter or as and when deemed necessary. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2011.