New Delhi: The cross-LoC trade, which India suspended last week, was being used by at least 10 Pakistan-based militants to send weapons, fake currency and narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir with the intent of fuelling terrorism in the state, investigations by the security agencies have found.
The 10 terrorists are originally from Kashmir valley and had crossed over to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to join terrorism in 1990s, officials said here on Wednesday.
“Enquiries conducted and record checks have established that these individuals have opened trading firms in Pakistan and are active in LoC (Line of Control) trade.
“Money was being transferred to terrorist organisations and anti-India elements by these traders,” an official said.
The cross-LoC trading mechanism was launched in October 2008 as a major confidence-building measure between India and Pakistan.
For the purpose, two places at the LoC – Salamabad and Chakkan-da-Bagh – were identified for exchange of goods of common use between local populations across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on the basis of barter system and zero duty.
The trading facility was available for four days a week through the two trade facilitation centres.
On April 18, the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered immediate suspension of the trade with effect from April 19, saying the mechanism was being misused and stricter regulatory regime would be put in place.
Giving details, officials on Wednesday identified the 10 terrorists who were indulging in the misuse as Basharat Ahmed Bhat, Shabbir Illahi, Showkat Ahmad Bhat, Noor Mohammad Ganai, Khurshid, Imtiyaz Ahmed Khan, Amir, Sayeed Ajaz Ahmed Shah, Mehrajuddin Bhat and Nazir Ahmed Bhat.
According to the officials, Basharat originally hails from Krimshora area of Budgam district in Kashmir and he had crossed over in the 1990s to join militancy. At present, he is staying in Rawalpindi and running the ‘Al Nazir Trading Company’ and is active in the LoC trade.