Talks on with Centre to allow trade delegation to PoK: Sayeed

J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on <g data-gr-id="22">Thurdsday</g> said his government has made “progress” in talks with the Centre over extending banking and telecommunication facilities to LoC traders.

Sayeed said talks were also on for the clearance of proposed trade delegation to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) for the smooth conduct of cross-LoC trade.

“The state government has achieved progress in the negotiations with the Centre over extending banking and telecom facilities and clearance of proposed trade delegation to Muzaffarabad (capital of PoK) for business-related discussions, which are vital for the smooth conduct of cross-LoC trade,” Sayeed said, after laying the foundation stone for several works at Salamabad near the LoC in Uri sector of Baramulla district.

He said the issues can be clinched if both India and Pakistan agree to the proposal in the meetings of the Joint Working Group (JWG), held between the two countries from time-to-time.

Describing cross-LoC ties as the biggest Confidence Building Measure for ushering in peace and harmony between the two countries, Sayeed said: “Kashmir has its own unique identity that India has recognised.”

The CM reiterated his commitment to four-<g data-gr-id="23">laning</g> of Uri-Kaman Post Road saying his Government is working on a plan to promote Kashmir Handicraft as a major tradeable item in cross-LoC business.

“The demand of increasing the number of items being traded at the two <g data-gr-id="28">cross Line</g> of Control trade points – <g data-gr-id="27">Salamabad</g> and Chakan da Bagh (Poonch) – and opening more trade points is under the active consideration and being vigorously pursued with the Union Government,” he said.