Cross-LoC trade will not stop: Mehbooba Mufti tells centre
Suggesting that she won't commit a blunder, Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti recently defied the centre's wishes and proclaimed that she won't allow for the trade across Line of Control (LoC) to be halted. Trade had been stopped after the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) identified it as a source of illicit funds and had seized 66.5 kg of narcotics recently.
What context is this happening in?
The NIA has been conducting a wide investigation into terrorist financing, especially on funds flowing from Pak-based terror groups to Kashmiri separatists, to fuel violence. According to a recent dossier prepared by the Agency, cross-LoC trade was identified as a major source of illicit funds and a threat to security. Trading activities had been halted since July 21 after seizure of narcotics near Uri.
Will bolster security, open alternate routes
Mehbooba called for fool-proof security measures including full body scanners for trucks to be installed at trading posts. "Such things happen at Wagah border as well, drug consignments have been caught many times but trade has never been stopped..... we won't allow it." She added that her government would also try to open alternate trading routes across the LoC into PoK.
What else did she say?
Addressing party workers on the 18th founding day of the J&K People's Democratic Party, she called for one session of the Legislative Assembly to be held in PoK each year and even recommended for members from across the LoC to be nominated. She further urged for the conduct of regular professional and student exchanges across the border to improve people-to-people ties.
Treat Kashmir as India's crown and a bridge to Pakistan
"Jammu and Kashmir can serve a bridge between India and Pakistan. The state is crown of India and you have to respect the crown," she noted. She further urged all parties to the Kashmir dispute to set differences aside and find a permanent peaceful solution.
