Jammu and Kashmir traders unhappy over embargo on commodities by Pakistan

Srinagar, Dec.10 (ANI): Traders in Jammu and Kashmir are unhappy over the embargo imposed on certain commodities by the Pakistan authorities.

They are discontent the move of Pakistan authorities to ban trade on Mung Dal, a pulse and one among the main commodities exported to India. Merchants trading through the Chakan Da Bagh border post located at Poonch in Jammu region along the Line of Control (LoC) said this on Thursday (Dec. 10).

They say Pakistan, without prior intimation, backed off from trading in the Mung Dal, which in turn, has resulted in Indian traders raising hue and cry.

"For the first time, we are witnessing that Pakistan has put a ban on Mung Dal (pulses), whereas this item is listed among the agreed commodities. They should not put a ban on this main item. This means that Pakistan wants to end this trade," said Sheeraz Khan, a trader in Kashmir.

Pakistani authorities declared restrictions on trading of certain commodities across this particular border trade point.

Traders have demanded that the Pakistani authorities must clarify their stand on this issue.

"Pakistan should also think that if they want to carry out this trade, it should be done in the right manner. We have never stopped the trade of these items. This is the first time it has ever happened from their side," Sheeraz Khan added.

Indian traders said that they were sending more goods whereas, in return, their counterparts in Pakistan were sending fewer goods, especially now that they have imposed a ban on Mung Dal.

However, certain sources noted that this ban is likely to end within two weeks.

"Frequent communication between the traders is not possible but from their (Pakistan) side we have come to know that this (ban) is on temporary basis and the ban will be lifted soon. This has raised discontentment among the Indian traders because of the ban on Mung Dal (pulses)," said Matloob Khan, Custodian of Trade, Chakan Dha Bagh border post, Poonch.

India and Pakistan allowed limited trade across the frontline in October 2008, in an attempt to create 'soft borders' allowing the movement of goods through Poonch-Rawalakot route in Jammu region and Uri-Muzaffarabad route in Kashmir region. (ANI)