LAHORE: A unilateral and abrupt suspension of inter-Kashmir trade by India for an indefinite period has caused huge losses to traders who consider these curbs as an attempt to deprive them of livelihood opportunities.

The commencement of trade between both sides had been seen as a peace initiative taken about 10 years back. This barter trade mainly comprises perishable items via Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes, providing alternative options for the producers as well as traders to sell commodities to diverse markets.

Trade between both regions of Kashmir has helped in minimizing losses of Kashmiris living on the other side of the LoC on account of round-the-year trade under the arrangements of inter-Kashmir trade. For Kashmiri traders and producers, such arrangements are contrary to selling their produce through the Srinagar-Jammu Highway, which proved an unreliable route and is often closed in winter months due to inclement weather.