Srinagar: Salamabad Cross LoC Traders Union (SCLTU) on Monday threatened to wind up their business units in March if government doesnt revoke ban on trading of the four bartered items.
Hilal Turkie, President SCLTU, while addressing the press conference here said that Cross LoC traders are dismayed by the actions of trade facilitation officer, customs and quarantine departments for ban on four main items Pistachio, Apple, Charmagaz and Anandana.
He said the union will close the Cross-LoC trade if authorities dont revoke the order.
The reduction of these items makes trade difficult. Since the trade is barter and it is important to export and import items to clear the balances among the traders. The cancellation has reduced the trade substantially and is on the verge of closure, he said.
Turkie said there are apprehensions that banning several products might be some conspiracy in order to make cross border trader one sided.
He said the union has written to government several times but nothing was done to address their issues. He also said that a dedicated authority should be formed to manage cross border trade in order to streamline and enhance it.
SCLTU president requested the government to enhance the security infrastructure by installing CCTV cameras, full body truck scanners and X-ray machines.
He also said that government has not framed a policy for cross LoC traders regarding GST. This has put us in difficulty in getting the invoice, he said.
Turkie accused the chief minister Mehbooba Mufi of being indifferent towards the issues of Cross-LoC traders. He however hailed the former chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed for his efforts towards enhancing the cross-LoC trade. (GNS)
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