Pakistan frowns on India's 'unilateral' decision to suspend cross-LoC trade
Pakistan today deplored India's "unilateral" decision to suspend cross-LoC trade and rejected the allegations regarding its "misuse" by elements from across the border to smuggle weapons, narcotics, fake currency, and foment terrorism. Hardening its stand against Pakistan, India on Thursday indefinitely suspended cross-border trade at two points along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir over reports of large-scale "misuse" of cross-LoC trade. Here's more.
Indian action was based on groundless accusations: Pak's Foreign Office
Pakistan's Foreign Office said the Indian action was based on "groundless accusations" and that this mechanism is being used for smuggling, narcotics, fake currency and terrorism. "This litany is all too familiar and in line with India's frequent attempts to portray legitimate activities of the people in Jammu & Kashmir as linked to terrorism," the FO further said.
'Suspension of Kashmir-related CBM indicates India is seeking to reverse'
The FO said the cross-LoC trade has been one of the functional Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) between the two countries, which came about after arduous diplomatic efforts. "The unilateral suspension of this Kashmir-related CBM indicates that India is seeking to reverse even the modest gains made by the two countries in the diplomatic domain. Its suspension without consulting Pakistan is deeply regrettable," it said.
There are better ways of dealing with implementation issues: FO
The country's Foreign Office said the suspension of the cross-LoC trade adds to the economic hardship and further squeezes the segment of people who could modestly benefit from this facility. "In our view, there are better ways of dealing with issues relating to implementation, if any, than resorting to the unilateral suspension of important CBMs," the FO said.
We urge India to refrain from taking unilateral measures: FO
In a message to India, the Foreign Office said, "We urge India to refrain from taking unilateral measures and resolve differences through constructive engagement with a view to transitioning from conflict to cooperation." The LoC trade, at present, is conducted through two trade facilitation centers located at Salamabad in Uri of the Baramulla district, and Chakkan-da-Bagh in the Poonch district.
