India Suspends LoC Trade With Pakistan Citing Misuse of Route to Smuggle Narcotics, Boost Cross-Border Terrorism
Probe agencies have found the route was being "misused" by elements from the neighbouring country to smuggle illegal weapons, drugs and fake currency.
New Delhi, April 18: Two months after revoking the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan, India has furthered its crackdown on the neighbouring nation on economic front, by issuing an order suspending all cross-border trade activities on the Line of Control (LoC). The decision was taken citing the "misuse" of the route by elements in Pakistan.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a statement on Thursday said the probe agencies have found the route was being "misused" by elements from the neighbouring country to smuggle illegal weapons, drugs and fake currency. India Strips Pakistan Of MFN Status, to Intensify Diplomatic Efforts to Corner Islamabad
It said a stricter regulatory and enforcement mechanism is being worked and the issue of the reopening the trade routes will be revisited once they are implemented.
The Union Home Ministry order stated that it has been "decided by the Government of India to suspend the LoC trade at Salamabad and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Jammu and Kashmir".
It said the action was taken on the basis of reports that the trade routes were being "misused by the Pakistan-based elements for funnelling illegal weapons, narcotics and fake currency, among others."
The LoC trade, at present, is conducted through two trade facilitation centres located at Salamabad in Uri of Baramulla district, and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch district.
This trade takes place four days a week and is based on barter system and zero-duty. The measure has been taken in the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack following which India stepped up its military and strategic offensive against Pakistan and also withdrew the most favoured nation (MFN) from its neighbour.
"Meanwhile, a stricter regulatory and enforcement mechanism is being worked out and will be put in place in consultation with various agencies. The issue of reopening of LoC trade will be revisited thereafter," the government said in the statement.
(With PTI inputs)
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 18, 2019 08:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).