Pakistan-occupied Kashmir suspends trade across LoC, Srinagar traders' body welcomes move: The Hindu
The decision was a form of protest against the recent deaths in the Valley, which has been on the boil since Hizbul chief Burhan Wani was killed on July 8.
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has suspended trade with India across the Line of Control to protest against the civilians killed in the Valley since Hizbul Mujahideen chief Burhan Wani was gunned down on July 8, reported The Hindu. Tanveer Ahmad, custodian of cross-LoC Trade at Chakan-da-Bagh, said, "Trade was suspended by the Pakistani side. No reason was furnished."
A trader from the Pakistan, Ajaz Mir, told the English daily, "The Kashmir situation is grave. Civilians have been targeted. Trade will resume only after the situation normalises. The traders’ move is a mark of solidarity with the people of Kashmir Valley." Mir is also a member of the country's Joint Chamber of Commerce. Supporting the move from Srinagar, Kashmir Economic Alliance chief Yasin Khan, said, “The time demands that the trade remains suspended till a dialogue process starts to address the Kashmir problem.”
Trade trucks were stopped from crossing over, and traders were informed that no exchange will take place the whole week. There are two trading points along the LoC – the Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote routes – that were made functional in 2008. Eatables, garments and handicrafts are among the 21 items that are traded through these routes.