Save LOC Trade Need to introduce a joint mechanism Opening of the Jhelum Valley road has been the only major diplomatic achievement on Kashmir between India and Pakistan during the past sixty-four years. Suspension of all kinds of traffic on this traditional and the only trade route had not only adversely affected economy of the state but had also agonizingly separated thousands of families on the two sides of the ‘ceasefire line.’ On 7 April 2005, when Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh flagged off the bus service between Srinagar and Muzzafarbad, it was internationally hailed as an important step towards ending deepened acrimony between New Delhi and Islamabad after the Kargil war. Starting bus service for facilitating travel of separated families and then opening it for trade between two parts of the state was an expression of bold resolve of the leaders in two countries for ending stalemate on Kashmir. It was equally appreciable of leadership, that it did not allow 26/11 happenings in Mumbai to effect the bus-service or trade across the LOC. Despite, India and Pakistan not making much headway on Kashmir after 2007, obtaining permits for travelling across continuing to be cumbersome and tortuous, trade across the line failing to grow beyond barter system the 2005 CBM continues to be a stepping stone for ending uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir and bringing lasting peace in the region. During the past nine years, this CBM faced first major challenge after, the state authorities claimed that it seized a goods truck from across the line carrying contraband and arrested the driver of the truck. This incident set into motion a chain of events. Authorities on Muzzafarbad side detained twenty-six trucks from Srinagar that passed the Kaman post to deliver the good at Chakoti Trade Facilitation Centre and authorities in Salamabad, Uri in retaliation detained trucks and drivers from the other side resulting into a stalemate threatening suspension of the bus service and trade. It is the first such incident on this route ever since permitting of trade on the JV Road. An isolated incident like this should not be allowed to snowball into major crisis that could lead to suspension of travel and trade across the LOC. The two countries should address the problem at a higher level and to prevent any unscrupulous elements misusing this trade, there is need for introducing a joint mechanism.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Jan 2014 04:06:52 +0000
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