NEW DELHI: The Jammu and Kashmir working group on strengthening relations across the Line of Control has favoured better trade, simplification of travel procedures and opening up of more routes to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It has suggested inclusion of an additional category, which wants to visit PoK for religious and tourist purposes and for medical aid.

The working group has recommended that Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC) be made the basis for granting permission to travel across the LoC. Security clearance should be obtained two months before travel on production of such certificates. For traders, the permit should be made valid for a minimum of one year and should provide for multiple entry. The ultimate aim will be to encourage, in stages, the creation of a free trade zone, comprising J&K and PoK, the modalities of which are being worked out between the two sides. Headed by the former diplomat M.K. Rasgotra, the working group has recommended that applications for travel permits be accepted and disposed of at the Deputy Commissioner's office. Later the designated offices can be expanded. It wants more routes opened including Kargil-Skardu, Jammu-Sialkot, Turtuk-Khapulu, Chhamb-Jorian to Mirpur, Gurez-Astoor-Gilgit, Titwal-Chilhan (across Neelam Valley) and Jhangar-Mirpu-Kotli (the route will bifurcate at the LoC).

A joint consultative machinery of officials and representatives of trade and commerce from both sides could be set up to resolve difficulties in the flow of trade and commerce. The list of import-export items should include handicrafts, fruits, cement, iron, medicines, sugar, basmati rice, machinery and equipment, sports goods including raw material like willow clefts, plastic pipes and any other item manufactured or assembled by the small scale industry in the State. The goods should be allowed to be transported in special vehicles authorised to travel across the LoC direct to the destinations. Unloading, checking and loading should be done quickly ensuring that the goods are not damaged in the process.

The working group is of the unanimous view that the initiative to open new routes be taken by Indian authorities regardless of the response from PoK and Pakistan authorities. The announcement should be followed up with the establishment of integrated checkposts at the crossing points.

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