Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has reached out to Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the government to resume cross-Line of Control (LOC) trade between Salamabad in Uri and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
In her letter, Mufti highlighted the significant challenges faced by LOC traders since the trade routes were closed in 2019. She emphasized that this disruption has left many businessmen unemployed and struggling to make ends meet.
“The closure of trade has severely impacted the livelihoods of those involved in this sector,” Mufti stated. “Moreover, traders have been subjected to raids by the Income Tax department, which has demanded taxes from them despite their inability to generate income since 2019.”
Mehbooba Mufti Calls for Trader Protection and Support
Mufti expressed concern over the potential seizure of properties belonging to these traders, warning that such actions could have dire consequences for the already struggling community. “I urge the Home Minister to intervene personally and facilitate the resumption of trade, ensuring that traders are provided with essential support, including a functional banking system and necessary security measures like body scanners,” she added.
The former Chief Minister’s appeal underscores the urgent need for dialogue and cooperation between India and Pakistan to revive this vital economic link, which she believes can foster goodwill and stability in the region.
