Cross-LoC J&K traders, officers may soon get ISD facility

Traders of Jammu and Kashmir engaged in cross-LoC trade may soon get ISD calling facility as state and Central authorities today agreed upon a slew of measures, including modern banking facility aimed at streamlining transactions between divided parts of the state.
"Provision of ISD facilities to the senior officers dealing with the cross LOC trade and the designated heads of traders association was agreed to," an official spokesman said after a joint meeting of the officers of the state and central governments here today.
The meeting, attended by State Financial Commissioner Industries and Commerce K A Ganai and Joint Secretary in union ministry of Home affairs R K Srivastava among others, discussing various demands and problems being faced by the traders associated with cross LOC trade at Salamabad, Uri and Chakan da bagh, Poonch.

"It was felt that there is urgent need for further augmentation and streamlining of the cross LoC trade. It was agreed that the additional items to be included for trade shall be forwarded by the Industries and Commerce Department to the Ministry of Home Affairs for its inclusion in the agreed list of items in the Standard Operating Procedure," the spokesman said.
Regarding banking facilities, Srivastava said the matter has already been taken up with the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry will pursue the matter with them vigorously.
The tendering process for purchase of Full Body Truck Scanners has been completed and a team of experts will be sent soon to identify the location and advice on the preparatory work before installation, the meeting was informed.

Enhancement of cash amount to be carried by the passengers travelling across to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was also agreed to and a proposal to this effect will be submitted by the Home Department to the MHA for approval, the spokesman said.

"Opening of additional trade routes, issuance of Visa permits and maintenance of balance sheet for goods traded across LoC from both sides were also discussed in the meeting," the spokesman added.
He said upgradation of infrastructure at Trade Facilitation Centres at Salamabad in Uri and Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch was agreed and the custodians of the respective TFCs were directed to submit the updated proposals to the state government for further necessary action and release of funds by the Centre.

"Upgradation of road and communication facilities from TFCs to zero line, visit of traders across LOC also came up for discussion and it was agreed that the Home Department will submit its recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs for obtaining necessary clearance from the Government of Pakistan," he said.
Cross-LoC trade between Jammu and Kashmir and PoK was started in October 2008 and is operating on barter system. The traders have been demanding banking and ISD calling facilities for smooth functioning of the transactions.