Govt suspends LoC trade with PoK

The government has issued orders to suspend the Line of Control (LoC) trade between Jammu & Kashmir and Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Why did the government suspend LoC trade?

• The LoC trade was initiated to facilitate the exchange of goods of common use between local populations across the LoC in Jammu & Kashmir.
• On the contrary, the reports indicated that Cross LoC trade routes were being misused by the Pakistan based elements for funnelling illegal weapons, narcotics and fake currency etc.
• NIA probes also indicated that a significant number of trading agencies engaged in LoC trade are operated by persons closely associated with banned terror organisations involved in fueling terrorism/separatism.

The notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that it has decided to suspend LoC trade at Salamabad & Chakkan-da-Bagh in Jammu & Kashmir. Further, a stricter regulatory and enforcement mechanism is being worked out & will be put in place in consultation with various agencies and the issue of reopening of LoC trade will be revisited thereafter.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2019