Imran Khan
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India, Pakistan resume Kashmir trade after 60 years
Tuesday, 21 Oct, 2008 | 01:18 PM PST |
Kashmiri fruit dealers drive towards the Line of control, Kashmir's de facto border in Baramulla, about 55 kilometers north of Srinagar on Monday, Oct. 20, 2008. – AP
ISALAMABAD: India and Pakistan began trading between their respective parts of Kashmir for the first time in six decades on Tuesday, raising hopes of a drop in tension in the disputed Himalayan region.
A convoy of 13 trucks carrying mostly apples set off on a historic trip to Azad Kashmir from occupied Kashmir, with 14 trucks with Pakistani goods making the journey in the opposite direction.
‘It is a historic day which will surely help the economy of both parts of Kashmir,’ said occupied Kashmir’s Governor N.N. Vohra, as he flagged off the convoy from Salamabad, 12 kilometres (seven miles) from the heavily militarised Line of Control.
‘I hope it will herald peace in the region,’ he said.
Villagers here cheered and waved at the truck drivers as they steered their vehicles out of a warehouse, as traditional drum-beaters entertained the crowd.
The crossing is the first time that vehicles will be allowed to cross Aman Setu or Peace Bridge on the LoC since India and Pakistan fought a war over the region in 1947.
Security was tight for the trade opening, with even the fruit subject to stringent security checks.
‘The items were scanned in x-ray machines here before allowing the truckers to take them across,’ a police officer Faisal Qayoom said.
The opening of the trade route has been a key demand of Kashmiri separatists.
Kashmiri truckers said they were delighted about the resumption of trade.
‘I am very happy to be part of this historic moment,’ said Ghulam Hassan Baba, a driver from Srinagar.
‘It is a big leap forward,’ said Mubeen Shah, head of the traders’ federation in occupied Kashmir.
Separatists, however, say India still needs to acknowledge that Kashmir is disputed, and be prepared to address the underlying issue of the future of the region
Tuesday, 21 Oct, 2008 | 01:18 PM PST |
Kashmiri fruit dealers drive towards the Line of control, Kashmir's de facto border in Baramulla, about 55 kilometers north of Srinagar on Monday, Oct. 20, 2008. – AP
ISALAMABAD: India and Pakistan began trading between their respective parts of Kashmir for the first time in six decades on Tuesday, raising hopes of a drop in tension in the disputed Himalayan region.
A convoy of 13 trucks carrying mostly apples set off on a historic trip to Azad Kashmir from occupied Kashmir, with 14 trucks with Pakistani goods making the journey in the opposite direction.
‘It is a historic day which will surely help the economy of both parts of Kashmir,’ said occupied Kashmir’s Governor N.N. Vohra, as he flagged off the convoy from Salamabad, 12 kilometres (seven miles) from the heavily militarised Line of Control.
‘I hope it will herald peace in the region,’ he said.
Villagers here cheered and waved at the truck drivers as they steered their vehicles out of a warehouse, as traditional drum-beaters entertained the crowd.
The crossing is the first time that vehicles will be allowed to cross Aman Setu or Peace Bridge on the LoC since India and Pakistan fought a war over the region in 1947.
Security was tight for the trade opening, with even the fruit subject to stringent security checks.
‘The items were scanned in x-ray machines here before allowing the truckers to take them across,’ a police officer Faisal Qayoom said.
The opening of the trade route has been a key demand of Kashmiri separatists.
Kashmiri truckers said they were delighted about the resumption of trade.
‘I am very happy to be part of this historic moment,’ said Ghulam Hassan Baba, a driver from Srinagar.
‘It is a big leap forward,’ said Mubeen Shah, head of the traders’ federation in occupied Kashmir.
Separatists, however, say India still needs to acknowledge that Kashmir is disputed, and be prepared to address the underlying issue of the future of the region