World

Trade route opens across Kashmir

by Sanjay Jha | October 21, 2008 at 12:03 am

335 views | 0 Recommendations | 2 comments

Kashmir has been the flashpoint between India and Pakistan after both nations got independence. Under the partition scheme Muslim dominated Kashmir became part of India but some parts of it are controlled by Pakistan but called Independent Kashmir. Both nations have had a strained relationship and there was no trade between the two warring nations. But in recent times some efforts have been made to start trade between border areas. The opening of the trade routes is part of same exercise.

An old trade route between the two sides of the divided Kashmir region has reopened after six decades.

Trucks carrying fruit, nuts and honey were flagged off by Indian officials from Salamabad in Indian-administered Kashmir under tight security.

Lorries are expected to arrive later on Tuesday from the Pakistani side, bringing rice and rock salt.

The opening of the trade route is part of a 2004 peace agreement between India and Pakistan, which both claim Kashmir.

The South Asian rivals have fought two of their three wars over the disputed territory.

Drum beating

The atmosphere in Salamabad on Tuesday morning was festive.

Hundreds of people gathered to watch NN Vohra, the governor of Jammu and Kashmir state, flag off the lorries in a brief ceremony.

Thirteen trucks, most carrying fresh fruit, began their journey towards the Line of Control, the de facto border, accompanied by the beating of drums and singing by school children.

1 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

alyaminah

at 04:49 on October 24th, 2008

This is Dhuan gali bridge it is the cross border over River Jhelum between pakistan and Azaad Kashmir . its in the Photwar region of pakistan this view is facing from Azaad Kashmir side towards pakistan

alyaminah has contributed a photo to this story.