When Pak products got famous in Kashmir, Govt banned them: Trade bodies
Wasim Khalid
Srinagar Oct 20: As if corroborating the allegations of traders, the government has not lifted the ban imposed on the import of more than six items that come from Pakistan Administered Kashmir.
Interestingly the government enforced ban on items, which were gaining popularity in Kashmir. The banned items include Ginger, Garlic, Dates, Raisins and Pista etc.
President of Kashmir Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Farooq Ahmad Dar terms the ban “unjustified” saying that it seems the government does not want cross-LoC trade to flourish.

“It is really absurd,” says Shah adding, “all the items which remained successful were banned. There is no proper system to regulate the trade. It seems government is reluctant to execute a CBM which was started with lot of pomp.”
Shah believes these particular items were banned after some non-state traders lobbied with the government because they felt the quality products from across would give them stiff competition especially the Pakistani products were gaining popularity.
Former President of KCCI Mubin Shah expresses surprise that the ban came from the Ministry of Agriculture while as the decision was the prerogative of the Ministry of Commerce.
“All orders pertaining to banned items like ginger, garlic, dates and pulses etc were issued from Amritsar,” informs Shah adding, “It clearly indicates that Waga traders have lobbied for the ban. Otherwise the orders had to be issued from New Delhi.”
According to Shah the grounds of ban are unreasonable stating that the decision was taken because of plant protection Qurantine and Storage certificate.
“However, Pakistan had already carried out tests and issued plant protection certificates. Despite that the Indian ministry of agriculture rebuffed Pakistani tests and imposed ban,” reminds Shah adding, “If the problem was such why the ministry did not impose ban on such items in the beginning of trade. The ban was imposed only after items became popular. It points to some underhand deal and some vested interests who lobbied for the ban since they were feeling challenging competition from us.”
 According to Shah the ban has resulted in hefty loss to Kashmiri traders.
The Kashmiri traders have also written to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah about cross-LoC trade being “jeopardized”.
Another trader, Imtiyaz Ahmad, who deals with vegetables at Parimpora vegetable market, says soon after ban on imported items their rates shot up in Kashmir.
“It was Kashmiri trader and customer at the receiving end,” Ahmad says adding, “The items became expensive as they have to be imported from Punjab and New Delhi; now again the traders of Delhi and Punjab will mint money,” Ahmad regrets. “We want proper cross-LoC trade with transaction and mobility facilities. Otherwise, it would remain a barter trade of no use.”