The limited barter trade that is operational since October 2008 in Uri (Kashmir) and Poonch (Jammu) follows a set Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This procedure is usually a mix of understanding between New Delhi and Islamabad and the security requirements of the two states. On July 4, 2012, Ministry of Home Affairs conveyed “additional guidelines” to be followed in the cross LoC Trade by the J&K government. It was conveyed vide No: 13015/01/2011-K.III and was part of the various documents that were placed on table in the last session of the state assembly. It was revealed on October 4, 2012 in response to a question that PDP lawmaker and former minister Abdul Rehman Veeri has asked. Kashmir Life reproduces the document for information of the trade:
“The Cross LoC trade between Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in respect of 21 Agreed Items via Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot route commenced from 21.10.2008. The Standard Operating Procedures for the conduct of trade was circulated vide this Ministry’s communication No.13015/l 7/2007-K.II dated 20.10.2008. Consequent upon increase in volume of trade, increase in the number of trading days from two to four per week etc, a need has been felt to issue further guidelines to streamline the conduct of Cross LoC trade. Accordingly, after consultation with various Ministries/ Departments concerned with the conduct of trade and the State Government of J&K, the following decisions/ additional guidelines are circulated for compliance by all the Authorities concerned with the conduct of Cross LoC trade:
a) The Agreed List of items of trade would be respected by all the authorities handling Cross LoC trade. All those items, listed in the Agreed List would be allowed to be traded subject to the condition that products of third country origin would not be allowed to be traded.
b) The Custodian shall ensure that the goods which are being traded are described accurately in detail in specific term rather than by generic names. For example, instead of being labelled dry fruits, the consignment will be specified by exact species of dry fruits,’ i.e. almonds, walnuts, etc. This is essential so as to arrive at the true valuation of the product. If the goods are not sold labelled, they will not be accepted for trade and they will be returned.
c) The valuation of the goods will be checked by the Custodian on the basis of the rates communicated to him by the Director (Industries). The Director (industries) shall fix the rates of the various items being traded every month based on the prevailing market prices as communicated to him by a Committee headed by the Commissioner of Sales Tax with the representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Food & Civil Supplies Department.
d) The custodian will cause accounts to be maintained at the Trading Centre of the value of the goods exported and imported trader-wise. The trader-wise balance will be struck at the end of every three months. If it is found that a trader has been running up substantial positive balances, this will be reported to the DGP and the Home Secretary of the State as well as the Intelligence Bureau. In such cases, an appropriate investigation will be carried out to check whether surpluses are being used for any illegal activities.
e) All traders, transporters, drivers, workers/ staff and other people connected with Cross LoC trade shall invariably be verified, with stringent checks, by J&K Police and issued identity cards by the respective Custodians within a time bound period. Subsequently, biometric details shall also be created and incorporated in the registration documents. Once the verification process is completed, only those traders whose antecedents have been verified shall be allowed to trade through Cross LoC trade. Similarly, only those drivers whose antecedents have been verified shall be allowed to take trucks to POK and workers/ staff allowed to work at TFC. The registration of any of the persons who are found to have involved in any malpractices will be liable to be suspended/cancelled after being given an opportunity to show cause.
f) As per the agreement for the Cross LOC trade, goods being sent across are to be checked and then the containers as well as the trucks sealed before dispatch. This stipulation has to be followed by both sides. Accordingly, before allowing entry of trucks from the other side (POK side), it may be checked at the border itself whether the container and the trucks are properly sealed with the seal of the Custodian of the other side. Any truck/container with the seal broken or with no seal may not be accepted and may be sent back.
g) POK drivers, at the time of entry into Indian side, shall make written declaration of money, SIM cards and other items in his possession/or on trucks, other than the declared goods being traded. Each driver of POK bus would be thoroughly checked at the LoC by the security agencies. On reaching Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC), J&K Police would ensure that POK drivers are kept in a sterilized zone, not allowed to be mingled with traders, porters, other workers and staff and a discreet watch kept on their activities.
h) The Deputy commissioner concerned, after scrutiny, may allow staying of POK truck driver for a night on our side in an emergency exigency, and ensure that such POK driver shall be sent back the following day. The physical security of the place of night halt of such driver would also be ensured.
An Officer would be designated for this purpose who shall be responsible for complying with the above directions.
i) All the POK trucks and Indian trucks returning from POK shall be checked after they enter into Indian Territory for false cavities/concealments by J&K Police. Similarly, Indian drivers returning from POK shall also be thoroughly checked by the J&K Police.
j) Separate areas are to be earmarked at TFCs for parking and unloading of truck coming from POK side.
k) The Custodian, TFO and the security agencies would keep a strict watch on the potential commodities/ goods that can be used for concealing prohibited items.
2. The above guidelines / decisions are in addition to the existing Standard Operating Procedure for Cross LoC trade circulated as mentioned in para 1 and come into force with immediate effect.
3. This issues with the approval of Home Secretary.
(Dr. V. Candavelou)
Director (K-I) “