Amid cross-border skirmishes between India and Pakistan along the line of Control post the Pulwama attack, cross-LoC trade remained mostly unaffected.
Pertinently, intense mortar shelling was witnessed for around ten days, starting February 28. Cross-border firing and heavy shelling was reported from all sectors of Rajouri and Poonch districts, wherein four civilians were killed and seven others suffered injuries in Krishna Ghati, Mankote and Nowshera sectors.
Meanwhile, during the ten days from February 28 to March 8, cross-LoC trade continued smoothly between both the sides.
Official details revealed that 176 goods-laden trucks, sent by Pakistan authorities, were received at trade facilitation centre, Chakan Da Bagh in Poonch. Similarly, 241 goods-laden trucks were sent from the Indian side to Pakistan.
Officials said, “While war hysteria was all around and both the countries were exchanging artillery shells, apart from bullets and mortars, cross-LoC trade continued smoothly during the ten-day period. Goods were exchanged and trade functioned normally.”
On being contacted, deputy commissioner, Poonch, Rahul Yadav, said, “Cross-LoC trade is going on smoothly since the past several weeks, except the issue that erupted last week due to shelling on the trade centre.”