Cross-LoC trade fails to resume

Cross-LoC trade between two sides of Kashmir could not resume today as no Pakistani truck arrived at the crossing point from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

After much deliberations following a standoff over seizure of a truck from PoK allegedly carrying drugs, the trade was expected to resume today but no Pakistani truck arrived near the Kaman post in Uri for crossover.

Official sources said though three Indian trucks carrying clothes, tea and cumin seeds had reported at Salamabad check post at Uri in North Kashmir for crossover, they returned.

Two of the truck drivers took back their vehicles from the depot, saying their goods will be damaged if subjected to extensive search.

The cross-LoC trade, an important confidence building measure, had taken a hit on January 17 after Jammu and Kashmir Police had arrested a truck driver from PoK for allegedly carrying 114 brown sugar packets worth Rs 100 crore in the international market.

This followed a stand-off as PoK authorities detained 27 Indian trucks and refused to take their remaining 48 trucks from India.

The matter was resolved after more than three weeks with Pakistani side releasing Indian trucks and taking back their vehicles without insisting on return of the arrested Pakistani driver.

Pakistan finally agreed not to insist on its demand for release of the arrested driver and his vehicle as the Indian side made it clear that he will have to face the due process of law.

India and Pakistan had on February 12 agreed to release trucks detained in their respective territories.

The deadlock ended with an agreement that the detained trucks will cross back to their respective territories.