The Pakistani foreign minister has achieved something that must make her proud. She not only saw forward movement on the Kashmir issue; she also scored an emphatic point by meeting openly the top separatist Kashmiri leaders”¦
“On Cross-LoC trade and travel facilitation for Jammu & Kashmir the Ministers decided the following: –
CROSS–LoC TRADE:
- List of 21 products of permissible items for Cross-LoC trade will be respected by both sides. The Working Group will review the trading list with a view to further specifying permissible items to facilitate intra-Jammu &Kashmir Cross-LoC trade.
- Both sides will provide adequate facilities at the trade facilitation centres on each side.
- The number of trading days stands enhanced from 2 to 4 days per week. Truck movements shall take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, both on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes.
- The Designated Authorities will resolve operational issues concerning cross-LoC trade through regular interaction.
- Regular meetings between the Chambers of Commerce and traders of both sides will be facilitated.
- Existing telephone communication facilities should be strengthened.
How can one explain Indias soft-approach towards Pakistan these days, and that too at a time when Islamabad is under relentless pressure from the United States to shed its double standard on fighting against terrorism and religious fundamentalism? Is
- The meetings of the Designated Authorities will be held alternately at the Terminal of the Crossing Points on both sides of the LoC every quarter or as and when deemed necessary.
CROSS-LoC TRAVEL
- Cross-LoC travel would be expanded on both sides of the LoC to include visits for tourism and religious pilgrimage. In this regard, the modalities will be worked out by both sides.
- Facilities including waiting area, terminal and clearing procedures at the operational crossing points will be streamlined by both sides for smooth Cross-LoC travel.
- The Cross-LoC bus service between Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes will henceforth run on every Monday.
- Application forms and requisite documentation in respect of travel across LoC will be exchanged by email between Designated Authorities of both sides. Such email transfer of application forms will be backed up by hard copies.
- Both sides will expedite the processing time for applications, which shall not be more than 45 days.
- Six month multiple entry cross-LoC travel permits will be allowed by the Designated Authorities after completion of the required formalities at an early date.
- Coordination meetings between the Designated Authorities will be held at the Terminals alternately on both sides of the LoC every quarter or as and when deemed necessary.
“It was agreed that the Joint Working Group will henceforth meet on a bi-annual basis to review existing arrangements and suggest additional measures for Cross-LoC travel and trade”.
It is obvious that the so-called Hina factor has been a great success story. The Pakistani foreign minister has achieved something that must make her proud. She not only saw forward movement on the Kashmir issue; she also scored an emphatic point by meeting openly the top separatist Kashmiri leaders – Yashin malik at Lahore while coming to India and meeting Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Abdul Ghani Bhatt, Aga Syed Badgami and Bilal Lone at Pakistani High Commission in Delhi. I doubt whether Pakistan will ever allow a visiting Indian foreign minister to meet the disgruntled leaders of Pakistran occupied Kashmir (PoK) at Islamabad.
How can one explain India’s soft-approach towards Pakistan these days, and that too at a time when Islamabad is under relentless pressure from the United States to shed its double standard on fighting against terrorism and religious fundamentalism? Is there any hidden agenda? The country needs answers from the Manmohan Singh government.
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