PM Modi (center), Rajnath Singh (left) and Amit Shah (right) at a function in New Delhi. (PRAKASH SINGH/AFP/Getty Images)The Indian government on Thursday (18 April) announced the suspension of all cross-border trade across Pakistan after it was found that the trade routes were being used by Pakistan to smuggle weapons, narcotics and counterfeit currency across the border, ANI has reported.
The trade route was originally used to allow the exchange of goods between the populace of both nations but Pakistan began misusing it to smuggle weapons and other illegal items.
As per a statement issued by the Home Ministry the trade will be suspended effective 19 April.
The two check-posts which allow the trade are located at Salambad in Uri and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch district. The trade based on barter system attracted zero custom duty and was allowed for four days a week.
Following the suspension, the Home Ministry is working out a mechanism to place strict checks to prevent illegal smuggling before reviewing whether to reopen the trade route.
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.