More routes for trans-LoC trade and travel

IHK CM calls for opening of Jammu-Sialkot route.

MIRPUR: Indian-held Kashmir’s (IHK) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has declared that he will recommend opening the Jammu-Sialkot route for travel and trade to the Indian government, so that it takes up the issue with Pakistan to initiate yet another important Confidence Building Measure (CBM), says a report received here on Friday.

“Responding to a demand to this effect made by the Federation of Industries, Jammu, in its meeting with the chief minister in Jammu late Thursday, Omar said that opening of this route for travel and trade would not only enhance people-to-people contact, but also give considerable fillip to trade activities,” says the report.

He said that while issues of opening of other routes and trade points across the Line of Control (LoC) figured in the priority list of his government, he would advocate opening the Jammu-Sialkot travel and trade point on the Working Boundary; adding that it would prove highly beneficial for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to travel and undertake various economic activities.

The chief minister said that banking facilities for cross-LoC trade, and enhancing the list of tradable items has already been taken up with the Indian government. He asserted that these issues are to be mutually agreed on by the two neighbouring countries. He expressed hope that the relations between the India and Pakistan will improve further and enhance trade and travel activities.

“The Federation of Indus­tries, Jammu, led by its chairman Annil Suri, also raised matters pertaining to the Government of India’s package of incentives to Jammu and Kashmir’s industry; transport subsidy on raw materials and finished products; income tax exemption; establishment of mother industry; cross-LoC trade; infrastructure development; value-added tax refunds from SICOP; upgradation of the Satwari-Kunjwani road; construction of new Balole bridge; installation of traffic lights at SIDCO Bari Brahamana Chowk; and creation of new industrial estates,” the report said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2012.