Cross LoC traders protest trade suspension
Srinagar, Apr 22: Demanding that the Centre revisits its decision of suspending cross-LoC trade, Salamabad Cross LoC Trade Union Monday held a protest here claiming the suspension will impact the state’s economy.
Holding banners and placards in their hands which read “Resume Cross LoC Trade, don’t leave us jobless”, dozens of people associated with Salamabad-Chakoti cross-LoC trade this afternoon assembled at Lal Chowk and staged a demonstration to protest government’s decision to suspend business after 13 years.
The protesting traders said the government’s decision to suspend business will not only leave hundreds of people associated with the trade jobless but also affect state’s economy.
Chairman Cross-LoC Trade Union, Hilal Ahmad while appealing the government to revoke its decision of suspending trade with Pakistan said hundreds of thousands of people across the border are directly associated with the trade and their livelihood will be severally affected due to the government’s recent move.
He said in case the government chooses to stick to its guns, the traders should at least be given some time to liquidate their loans they have borrowed from banks.
“This is highly unfortunate that the present BJP-led government keeps on reversing former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s initiatives taken on Kashmir,” said Hilal Ahmad while talking to reporters.
“The items we had taken for the other side are stuck at several places. We want the government to reconsider its decision for the larger interests of the people associated with this trade since 2008. At least we should have been informed by the government about its move. The sudden decision of the government has left us dumbfounded,” he added.
