Intra-Kashmir trade, which began as a confidence building measure (CBM) has been witnessing a decline since 2016.
During 2017, goods worth Rs 304 crore were exported from this part, while the goods valued at Rs 527 crore were exported in 2016. Imports too fell to Rs 252.90 crore in 2017 from Rs 858.17 crore in 2016.
During 2015, exports stood at Rs 634 crore and imports Rs 846 crore, which is higher than in 2016.
The trade through Salamabad in Uri and Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch district was an important CBM, with Kashmir’s business community hoping to use these routes for transit trade and alternative to Srinagar-Jammu highway, which is the only road link connecting Kashmir to the rest of the world.
However, as per the business community things did not go as planned as the deteriorating relations between India cast a shadow over it.
“This trade has been reduced to symbolism. Nothing has been done to strengthen the ties between two parts of Jammu and Kashmir,” said president Salamabad-Chakoti Traders Association Hilal Turki.
He said their demand of banking facilities, more trade routes and ease of trade has not being taken seriously by the quarters concerned despite repeated pleas and reminders.
As per the information gathered by Greater Kashmir, in the beginning of the trade there were around 600 traders who registered with industries department to do business with their counterparts on the other side of Kashmir. But now the number of active traders has come down to around 100.
The demands of the Joint Chamber made to the Foreign Office have also not been met.