Kashmiri traders seek details on business via LoC

Srinagar, May 28 (UNI) Traders here have sought complete details from the Jammu and Kashmir government on the proposed trade across the Line of Control (LoC) through the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road.

The Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), in a statement, asked the state government to come up with complete details on the trade via the Jhelum Valley road so as to do the necessary preparations.

''As little time remains for the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road to open for trade purposes, the traders are yet to know the necessary details. We don't know the products that would be allowed for trans-LoC trade and the areas to be opened for trade,'' they said.

The Federation hailed the decision to open the road for trade, but said the government should immediately seek suggestions from the traders' organisations in the state in this regard.

''Unless they ask us for our suggestions and discuss the things, how would a common trader know what he has to export? We are not even aware of areas the traders would be allowed to sell their products,'' it added.

The KTMF also stressed the need for allowing traders from both sides of the LoC to interact with each other.

''Once traders from the two sides will be allowed to interact, only then can they explore the avenues for trade,'' it added.

UNI AG MP KN1326