Trade between JK and Pakistan continues

Chakan-Da-Bagh, Jan 2: The tension between India and Pakistan notwithstanding, trade on the cross-Line of Control (LoC) point at Chakan-Da-Bagh continues.

Traders in Jammu Kashmir's Poonch District sent ten quintals tomatoes and 500 woollen shawls to importers in Pakistan on demand.

They admitted that the demand from Pakistan for Indian goods is more, even though supply is on the lower side.

"There is fear in us. But, so far, it hasn't affected us. But if the war begins, then our money will get stuck on their side and theirs on our side. There are some tensions prevailing," said Bansi Lal, a Poonch trader.

Traders from Rawalakot in Pakistan administered Kashmir, said the tension between the nations has not affected their trade and they are ready to visit India again and again.

"Who says Pakistan is in an intense position? We will always keep the trade going. These tensions won't affect trade. Pakistan is not at all tense," said Khadam Bukhari, the Trade Facilitating Officer in Pakistan administered Kashmir.

Pakistani exporters also sent baskets of fruits, onions and carpets, besides Peshawari chappals.

Relations between the two countries has deteriorated after India blamed militants based in Pakistan for the attacks on Mumbai in November 2008.

India said on Thursday that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation had presented strong evidence to Islamabad of Pakistani links to Nov terror attacks in Mumbai.

India has blamed the assault on the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).

ANI