As per the inputs received from State Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir, trucks were stopped by the authorities from cross LoC on two occasions after the seizure of drugs on 17.01.2014 and 06.02.2015.

On 17.01.2014, one hundred fourteen (114) packets of approximately 1 kg each drugs were recovered from a Truck bearing No. RIS 2137, which had come from Chakoti to deliver goods at TFC Salamabad, Uri. The driver and the truck was seized by J&K Police. The Pakistan authorities refused to take back the trucks and drivers. As a result, 48 drivers from across LoC got stranded on our side and 26 trucks & drivers from our side got held up at Chakoti for 26 days. Later with the intervention of MEA, the matter was resolved and trade was resumed.

Similarly on 06.02.2015, three hundred five (305) packets of narcotic approximately of total 9 kgs was recovered from a truck bearing No. P-9627 which had come from Chakoti to deliver goods at TFC, Salamabad, Uri. The driver was arrested & truck seized by the J&K Police. Pakistan authorities refused to take their drivers and trucks. As a result, 21 drivers from across LoC got stranded at this side and 50 drivers/trucks from our side got held up at Chakoti. Meetings were held and trade was resumed after 6 days.

The State Govt. of J&K has informed that the Cross LoC trade meetings were held at zero point between authorities of two sides. Different issues related to Cross LoC Trade were discussed and it was stressed from our side that the trade should not be made hostage to the events of smuggling and elements involved in such acts should be dealt with under the law of the land.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Cross LoC trade disruption due to narcotics seizures led to suspension and diplomatic intervention to restore movement. Seizures of narcotics from trucks crossing the Line of Control led local authorities to detain drivers and seize vehicles while the other side initially refused repatriation, producing stranded drivers and held trucks; diplomatic intervention and bilateral zero point meetings subsequently resolved the impasses and trade was resumed, with a stress that cross LoC trade should not be made hostage to smuggling and alleged offenders be dealt with under law.