The traders and manufacturers in occupied Kashmir have welcomed extension of cross-LoC trade to four days a week. The traders, calling it a good omen, expressed hope that other obstacles in the trade would be removed by the governments of both the countries, Kashmir Media Service reported.
The President of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) Abdul Hamid Punjabi said: "We welcome the decision, but at the same time we appeal to the governments of both India and Pakistan to implement it on ground without wasting any further time." The Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) President Afzal Parray said: "It is a welcome initiative but it is not the end. Many more things need to be done to address currency and communication issue."
Parry said the two countries should also promote cross LoC tourism. "We want governments of both the countries to allow Kashmiri people to travel freely across the LoC," he added. Kashmir Traders and Manufactures' Federation (KTMF) President Muhammad Yaseen said: "It is a positive signal for the business community but governments of both the countries should also increase the list of tradable items."
Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Association President Jan Muhammad said: "It is a good beginning and good sign for the traders community, but we want Kashmiris to benefit from this trade, not outsiders." The governments of India and Pakistan have already agreed to open bank branches on both sides of the LoC to do away with the barter system of trade, increase fixed telephone lines for communication link between the traders of two parts of Kashmir and introduce permits for businessmen to facilitate their travel across the LoC.
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