At a time when India and Pakistan relations have hit the rock bottom, former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday called for the Government of India to look beyond politics in the cross border trade.
While releasing a report “Trading Confidence-A compelling case for loC trade”, Abdullah said that the cross border trade, which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs should be shifted under the Ministry of Commerce for better economic results. The report claimed that Cross-loC trade has crossed about Rs 3000 crore since it was formalised in 2008.
“My request to the Government of India is when you leave this area with the Ministry of Home Affairs it gives it a shape of a security initiative...it is not a security initiative. It is a trade policy and needs to come under Commerce Ministry...as far as these issues are concerned,” he said.
Omar urged the Centre to come clear on its policy over the trade between the bilateral countries.
“If that trade is purely to be a symbolic CBM then tell us and we will stop complaining about the shortcomings but if its about meaningful econimic benefit then we have to realise it has reached a point where its not growing unless we address the issues that are holding it back.”
The report was released by Bureau of Research on.Industry and Economic Fundamentals at India Internatiinal Center.
“I believe we have reached a plateau beyond which growth is almost impossible unless we address the issues being brought up in events and conversations like these....this trade is unusual because it is between two regions whose status is disputed by the two countries,” Abdullah added.
He said while the issues of India and Pakistan are tackled out, the cross loC trade must happen.
He said that the “anomalies” that cause hinderances in the trade must be addressed. Abdullah, who is the MlA Beerwah said that he brought all the points relating to this issue befoe fire the Central Government in his six year term but “they remain as they were”.
He also said that “he cannot blame India alone but Pakistan also has to be receptive in its success.”
In presence of various trade bodies, senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari said “in times of hostility at loC, it was the best time to talk about peace and take measures of reconciliation.”