Vohra discusses modalities for J

Jammu, Nov 12 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today reviewed the cross-Line of Control(LoC) trade and discussed the modalities for the visit of a delegation of the representatives of the traders' association, manufacturers and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the state to the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

At the meeting attended by the Advisor to Governor, Mr H H Tyabji, Principal Secretary to Governor, Mr B B Vyas and Commissioner/ Secretary Industries and Commerce, Dr Pawan Kotwal, the Governor was informed that various Trade and Industries Federations and Fruit Growers Associations of both Jammu and Kashmir divisions had approached the Nodal Officer for the cross-LoC trade with a list of members of the proposed trade delegation.

A list carrying names of 119 people, including 40 from Jammu region, was handed over to DGP (CID) Ashok Bhan, who assured the Governor that, despite the comprehensive procedures in processing such matters, the required clearance of the names of proposed traders' delegation to the PoK would be accorded within a day, i.e. tomorrow, and forwarded to the respective Regional Passport Officers.

It was stated in the meeting that normally, the request for issuance of 'permit' for travel across the LoC is made by the applicant to the Regional Passport Officer.

However, on the instructions of the Governor, the requirement of receiving such requests for clearance to visit the PoK through Passport Officers concerned has been dispensed with, as a special case.

''All the persons who have evinced their interest in the visit to the PoK are being informed to immediately approach the Passport Officers concerned with all necessary documents and others, to complete the requisite formalities on the most urgent basis,'' a government statement read.

As regards the procedure to be followed in future, it was clarified in the meeting that any bonafide trader, who intends to visit the PoK for the cross-LoC trade, will require to apply to the respective General Manager of the District Industries Centres of Baramulla and Poonch, who have been designated as the Custodian for cross-LoC trade from Salamabad in Uri and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch, respectively, along with all necessary documents.

The General Managers of the District Industries Centres will then forward such cases to the designated CID officer for verification after which the papers will be forwarded to the Regional Passport Officer for issuance of 'permits'.

UNI VJ GT KN1927