By Sarwar Kashani, IANS
Srinagar : With India and Pakistan allowing cross-border movement of trucks through Punjab, Kashmiri traders are hoping for similar trading access on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road across the Line of Control (LoC) between them.
Currently, huge amounts of fruits from Kashmir are wasted along the long and often-blocked Jammu-Srinagar highway. A truck usually takes 36 hours to reach New Delhi in fair weather and much longer if the weather is inclement.
In contrast, fruits sent through the all weather Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road would reach Pakistani markets in six to eight hours.
Abdus Sattar Khuroo, a fruit grower in Sopore, 50 km from here, is upbeat because truck movement has become a reality between India and Pakistan.
“I wish trade via Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road becomes a reality now,” says Khuroo, echoing the sentiments of thousands of producers and traders in the Kashmir Valley.
Prior to 1948, Kashmiri goods, including fruits, almonds, walnuts and handicraft items, used to be traded via what was then Kashmir’s main trade highway – the Jhelum valley road also known as Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road.
After Pakistan-backed guerrillas invaded Kashmir in 1948, the LoC – a ceasefire line – became the de facto border and no movement was allowed on this road.
An alternative highway, known as the Srinagar-Jammu highway (NH1), the mainstay of trade these days, was constructed. However, it is vulnerable to harsh weather, and vehicle movement is often disrupted on the road.
After the 2005 earthquake, India and Pakistan opened the LoC at five points, allowing divided families to cross over freely and meet. The five points are at Nauseri-Tithwal, Chakoti-Uri, Hajipur-Uri, Rawalakot-Poonch and Tattapani-Mendhar.
Both governments have promised to allow trade through LoC, much to the happiness of Kashmiri traders who feel there is a huge market for their products in Pakistan.
However, it has been a long wait for them as the India-Pakistan peace process moves forward at snail’s pace.
“We are waiting (for cross-LoC trade),” says Khuro. “I know it will open up and India and Pakistan have to do that.”
Fruits and handicrafts are two big-ticket items that could earn fortunes for Kashmir businessmen in Pakistan, according to Mubin Shah, president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI).
Jammu and Kashmir currently exports horticultural produce estimated at Rs.20 billion, and carpets and other handicrafts worth Rs.7 billion, according to the KCCI official.
Exporters and manufacturers here hope to outsource their carpet weaving to Pakistani Kashmir to take advantage of a proposed US bill, according to which the US will allow duty and tax-free imports from special reconstruction opportunity zones in Pakistan.
“Opening of LoC links would also increase markets for Kashmir products manifold,” said Shah.