A proposed visit by Azad Kashmir based traders and industrialists to the other side of Line of Control seems to be in the doldrums as the complicated procedure put in place for trans-Kashmir travelling is hampering any forward movement in this regard.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AJKCCI) had constituted a 28-member delegation for the much-hyped visit but its departure, initially expected to take place by the last week of February through Chakothi-Uri crossing point, had been delayed due to intricate clearance and verification process, AJKCCI president Zulfiqar Abbasi told Greater Kashmir by telephone from Mirpur.
Over half a dozen official agencies are involved in the clearance/verification of persons intending to travel across the LoC from any of the five crossing points opened by India and Pakistan as part of confidence building measures. Once cleared/verified at home, the clearance of intending travellers is sought from the opposite side.
The AJKCCI president said that the application forms of the delegation members were submitted in the office of assistant commissioner Muzaffarabad - the designated authority for Chakothi-Uri crossing point - on February 10 in anticipation of their speedy clearance.
"We hoped the forms will be verified and forwarded to Indian authorities within a week on account of significance of this visit. But much to our dismay they are still pending with our own authorities," he said. "If a delegation which enjoys Islamabad's blessings is treated in this manner then one is tempted to ask how this process can move forward," he added.
India and Pakistan had decided at their technical level talks in May last year to fully implement measures to enhance interaction and cooperation across the LoC including the early launching of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad truck service for trade on agreed items.
Exchange of business community delegations from either side of LoC was part of those measures. Initial reports had suggested that JK delegation would visit AJK first. But later the AJKCCI got the nod from the Foreign Office of Pakistan to take the lead in this regard.
According to Abbasi, the Foreign Office had also shown concern over the delay in departure of AJKCCI delegation. However, he said that he had conveyed the situation to the FO, which had assured him that the issue would be taken up with the concerned quarters.
Abbasi said the business community in other Kashmir was eagerly awaiting the AJKCCI delegation and had also arranged various programmes in this regard.
"They have conveyed me that their representative delegation will welcome us right across the crossing point," he said.
Sources said the Indian authorities had also sent a list of business community leaders from Kashmir for a visit to AJK on reciprocal basis but that too was in the process of clearance.