Zero point meeting was today held between cross-LoC trade authorities in which it was decided that the trade stalled after a driver from PoK was arrested for allegedly carrying drugs, would be started next week.Several other decisions were taken to streamline the trade and prevent such incidents. During the meeting DC Baramulla Dr. Nasir Ahmad Naqash stressed upon DG Travel and Trade Authority of PoK Shahid Ahmad for carrying out the trade process in a transparent manner and ensuring stringent checks on the traded items.He said that scrutiny of trade associated vehicles should be strengthened so that all the hurdles confronting it are eliminated. Meanwhile SSP Baramulla Mir Imtiyaz Hussain presented the details of the recently occurred incident on which the DG assured him that the trade process in future will be carried out transparently.The PoK delegation was also briefed about the investigation being carried by police in case FIR No 54 /17 of P/S Uri in which 66.5 Kgs of narcotics were seized.
They assured that they would improve the mechanism of checking/scanning at Trade Centre Chakhoti so that such incidents are prevented in future. Besides officials from PoK also agreed that 116 PoK citizens stranded on this side will be allowed to return via Kaman Post through Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Bus service.A thorough discussion was also held on various issues during which it was decided that the trade will be restored next week. It was also decided that ISD facility will be provided between Custodians of Salamabad and Chakothi so that all issues are resolved without any delay. The meeting was informed that zero point meet shall be convened on monthly basis through which all minor issues are sorted out.Meanwhile, the officials also discussed that traders meeting will be organized on quarterly basis which will help in streamlining the trade process. However more focus was given on transparency in trade so that quantum of trade increases gradually.