GOI contemplates to enhance cross border trade.
SRINAGAR: Union Home Secretary Mr. R. K. Singh has indicated that Government of India was contemplating to enhance the cross border trade and immigration of locals from the Chakan-Da-Bagh cross border trade point, Poonch.
The Union Home Secretary today visited Chakan-Da-Bagh cross border trade point and took stock of the facilities kept available by the Government for convenience of traders. He said that keeping in view the increased demands of traders from across the border, the Government would consider increasing the quantum of traded items in near future. He said in this regard the necessary infrastructures have been already created at the trade point. He said in this regard efforts are afoot with the Government of Pakistan and POK and it would depend upon the outcome of these efforts.
Commissioner Secretary Home, Mr. B. R. Sharma, DGP, Mr. Kuldeep Khoda, Brigadier 93 Inf. Mr. M. K Mago, District Development Commissioner Poonch, Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu, SPs of Poonch and Rajouri, other senior officers of District Administration and representatives Cross Border trader’s fraternity accompanied the Union Home secretary during his visit.
Responding to the demands put forth by cross border traders, Union Home Secretary said that all their genuine demands would be taken up with Pakistan Government for early redressal. He said registration of traders, transporters and drivers being deployed for cross border trade is made on regular basis. He said enhancement of tradable items, increase in trucks is also under consideration of the government.
Union Secretary said that matters like provision of bank facility and issue of multiple visa facility in favour of traders would also be taken up with the Pakistan Government. He instructed the District Administration and Army Authorities for construction of visitors shed at LOC for facilitating the meetings of traders periodically to clear their accounts face to face interaction.
Home Secretary also reviewed facilities and other arrangements available at immigration and custom office at Chakan-Da-Bagh crossing point at an officers meeting. He instructed District Administration and Army that no compromise be made on the issue of nation’s security and Integrity of the Country, adding that strict vigil and checking be ensured to check Hawala like trades. He also instructed the administration that four sniffer dogs and deployment of additional staff at immigration and custom office be ensured. He said that the issue regarding clarification of pending applications of PoK side would be taken up with concerned authorities during his ensuing visit to PoK.
