Key points
- Two people from Indian Occupied Kashmir drowned in Jhelum River
- Pakistani authorities recovered the bodies and returned them
- Kashmiris on both sides of LOC welcomed the goodwill gesture
- Trade via the peace bridge was halted in 2019 by India
- Annual trade grew to $1.2b in a single decade after its opening in 2008
ISLAMABAD: The Kaman Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, which connects India and Pakistan, was reopened on Saturday for the first time in six years but under unusual and tragic circumstances.
According to BBC, the bridge was used to facilitate the return of the bodies of a “couple” who drowned in the Jhelum River two weeks ago on the Indian side of the occupied Kashmir.
In 2008, India and Pakistan opened trade across the Line of Control (LoC), a heavily militarised de-facto border dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan.
Confidence-building measure
The move was seen as a confidence-building measure between New Delhi and Islamabad.
However, New Delhi stopped cross-border trade in April 2019 as it prepared to scrap Indian Occupied Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status.
The bridge was first opened in 2005 to allow movement for families living on both sides of the LoC.
Cross-border trade began via this bridge in 2008 as it connected thousands of families separated by the border.
Public reaction
On Saturday, Kashmiris on both sides of the LoC welcomed the decision, terming it a ray of hope for peace.
Moreover, the response and efforts of the Pakistani government and Army were commended by people who benefited from this facility.
“The support from Pakistan indicates the love and concern for Kashmiris beyond LOC and indicates Pakistan’s interest and commitment towards the well-being of Kashmiris,” they said.
Pakistan has advocated for the peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue as per UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Trade potential
When cross-border trade in Kashmir was active, 21 items were allowed to be traded, including varieties of fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts, according to DW. The trade was carried out duty-free using a barter system and did not involve exchanges of currency.
Trucks would cross the border at the Chakan-da-Bagh station near the town of Poonch, and at a crossing near the town of Uri to the north.
The trade route created a frontier economy and provided livelihoods to thousands of people living in remote areas that usually see meagre economic activity.
Business hubs
As per the German public broadcaster, Uri and Chakan-da-Bagh turned into business hubs, and thousands of traders from across northern India would converge there to buy commodities at cheaper prices.
New shops, warehouses, and restaurants sprang up, engaging local youth as managers, drivers, and daily wage workers.
Commodities that otherwise would enter Kashmir from mainland India at a higher price were replaced by cheaper access to food staples.
$1.2 billion mark
Traditional Pakistani footwear and suits became a big hit. Many boutiques sprang up across Kashmir, selling Pakistani suits.
Within ten years, annual trade via the LoC route was estimated to be at the $1.2 billion mark, as per DW.
According to official Indian statistics, more than 4,000 families were directly involved in the day-to-day trade operations across the LoC.
Manufacturers, farmers, and truckers that provided and moved goods also benefited.
After the route was closed, many traders either stopped the business or are under heavy debt.
