Pakistan has lashed out at India for imposing a ban on cross-border trade through Line of Control. Pakistan Foreign Office, in a press statement, said: “The Indian action is based on groundless accusations that this mechanism is being used for smuggling, narcotics, fake currency and ‘terrorism’.”
According to Indian officials, there were credible intelligent inputs to take such a decision, as the main purpose of the move was to prevent terror funding. Pakistan-based terror outfits have been smuggling in weapons, narcotics and fake currency, ever since India beefed up vigil in the border areas.
Indian intelligence agencies have found that Pakistan had been sending California Almonds into the Valley.
The trade was allowed through the two Trade Facilitation Centres located at Salamabad and Uri in Baramullah and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch. The trade takes place four days a week. The trade is based on the barter system and zero duty basis.
Indian intelligence agencies have found that Pakistan had been sending California Almonds into the Valley. According to intelligence officials, trade in California Almonds is a method by which Pakistan used to channelize hawala money, which is used to fuel terrorism and separatism in the Valley.
An investigation has found that retailers purchase California Almonds at a paltry sum of Rs 200 and sell it at Rs 1,000. A big share of the profits is paid to terror outfits and separatists to fund secessionism.
The Enforcement Directorate had arrested the president of LOC Traders Association Zahoo Ahmed Watali. He is currently lodged in Tihar central jail in terror funding cases. The Directorate has already attached his property worth crores of rupees and further investigations are on.
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