Cross-LoC trade goes on as usual despite tension on borders

Political, human right activists call Pakistan-occupied Kashmir a state in limbo


Though tension has gripped India and Pakistan following the air strikes by India and a retaliatory attack by Pakistan and continued shelling by Pakistan troops in Rajouri and Poonch districts, the cross-LoC trade continued as usual on Wednesday. Indian traders dispatched truckloads of tomatoes, a commodity facing acute shortage in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan.

As many as 34 truckloads of tomatoes, bananas, pomegranate, herbs etc were reportedly dispatched from the Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Tomatoes were selling for around Rs 160 per kg in Pakistan.

As many as 16 trucks from PoK carrying dry dates, almonds, and herbs etc came to Poonch in Jammu division.

The trade gate at the Line of Control (LoC) trade centre was thrown open for 12 minutes from 12.05 pm on Wednesday. Another cross-LoC trade centre at Uri in Kashmir was also conducting business as usual.

Both trade routes were abuzz with cross-LoC trade on Tuesday also when IAF bombed the terrorist training camps in Pakistan.