Trade between Srinagar-Muzaffarabad most significant CBM taken by the Governments of India and Pakistan: Saroori

Inspected construction work of Jamia Masjid, Ziyarat Shareef and shops of Auqaf Islamia Udhampur

Udhampur, Dec 18: - Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today meet Trade Unions Udhampur and said that cross LOC Trade between Srinagar-Muzaffarabad as one of the most significant Confidence Building Measures (CBM) taken by the Governments of India and Pakistan, Saroori underscored the need to make it hassle free trade activity for enhancing mutual trust and confidence between both sides of the State.

Saroori said that initiation of cross LOC trade across J&K in October, 2008 has signaled the beginning of a new era adding that this trade had stopped six decades ago in 1947. He said this is a great step towards normalizing relations between two neighboring Countries of India and Pakistan through economic and human Interactions.

He also said that the centre and state governments will provide all the possible facilities to boost cross LOC trade adding that Trade Facilitation Centers at Salamabad Uri and Chakan-Da-Bagh Poonch has been established at a cost of Rs.8.95 crore and Rs.7.95 crore respectively on fast track basis with a view to facilitating LOC trade in a big way.

The traders demanded sought Travel permits to meet their counterparts across LOC. They demanded to increase the number of items on the approved list. The traders also demanded that Indian Kashmir must allow international direct dialing to enable Jammu and Valley businessmen to call to their Pakistan Kashmir counter parts freely.

Saroori assured the traders that the demands will be taken-up with the concerned authorities for their solution.

Later, Saroori who is also a Jammu and Kashmir Member Auqaf Islamia, during his spot site inspection, reviewed the progress on the construction plan for the Udhampur Mosque, Ziyarat and 10 shops which are constructed by Auqaf in presence of the management committee.

Chairman Auqaf Islamia Udhampur, Shakeel Shah, Congress Leader Mansoor Mattoo, Chairman Christian community Rajan, Ashu Sharma, Dr. K C Sharma were was also present on the occasion, gave various suggestions for up-gradation and improvement of the surroundings, facilities and widening of road. They suggested a circular road in the area to decongest traffic and to facilitate commuters.

Earlier, Management Committee of Jamia Masjid Udhampur, Trade Union and Congress workers, besides members of Auqaf warmly received Mr. Saroori on the occasion. During the interaction, MLA Saroori was also presented charter of demands relating to the integrated development of the area and availability of basic amenities to the residents.

Saroori stressed upon the concerned to speed up the pace of work and complete the in-complete work of construction within the stipulated time frame. He also paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for welfare and development of the people of the State.

Saroori also thanked the management committee and said that Udhampur city represents the highly revered composite culture of the state as people of all communities are living here in harmony and peace, besides working shoulder to shoulder for the development of their respective areas.