India puts LoC trade on hold

The Union Home Ministry Thursday released a statement saying that they’d be “suspending” cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade with officials alleging “misuse” of the facility by those linked to terror outfits across the border.

The reports suggested that routes are being misused by Pakistan-based elements to send illegal weapons, narcotics and fake currency.

“Government of India has decided to suspend the LoC trade at Salamabad and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Jammu and Kashmir with immediate effect. A stricter regulatory and enforcement mechanism is being worked out and will be put in place in consultation with various agencies. The issue of reopening of LoC trade will be revisited thereafter,” the Home Ministry said in a statement.

“It has been brought out that a significant number of trading concerns engaged in LoC trade are being operated by persons closely associated with banned terrorist organisations involved in fuelling terrorism/separatism. Investigations have further revealed that some individuals, who have crossed over to Pakistan, and joined militant organisations have opened trading firms in Pakistan. These trading firms are under the control of militant organisations and are engaged in LoC trade,” it said.

Investigations have further revealed that some individuals, who have crossed over to Pakistan, and joined militant organizations have opened trading firms in Pakistan. These trading firms are under the control of terrorist organizations and are engaged in LoC trade.

After the Pulwama incident, the Government of India also withdrew the MFN status to Pakistan. India and Pakistan started the cross-LoC trade in 2008. Since then, according to the J&K government, the trade volume had touched Rs 5,000 crore by March 2018.