Vohra orders debarring of 'dubious' traders from cross LoC trade

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N.Vohra on Wednesday ordered that re-verification of all traders engaged in cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade should be undertaken and those with dubious credentials should be debarred from engaging in this trade.

He gave the direction at a high-level meeting of officials here to review issues related to LoC trade and to identify existing systems and procedures which needed to be immediately changed.

There have been complaints that in the name of cross LoC trade, certain traders are engaged in 'hawala racket' and funding of terror outfits in the state.

Vohra directed the state police chief and the Principal Secretary, Industries to undertake complete verification of all the traders engaged in LoC trade a one month and those who "do not furnish the required documents or have doubtful antecedents should be de-registered without delay."

The Governor was given a presentation on the framework and procedures of LoC trade including the list of approved tradable goods, process flow of the trade, timeframe for installation of full truck body scanners and the role of central and state agencies in controlling the cross LoC trade.

He also directed authorities managing the cross LoC trade to ensure that both over-invoicing and under-invoicing of trade goods is checked and that local traders square up their accounts with those on the other side of the LoC on a quarterly basis.

--IANS

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