VIP movement stalls trade in Wagah

About 90 trucks of dry fruits being imported by Indian traders from Afghanistan, worth around Rs 50 crore, got stranded on the Pakistan side of the Wagah, resulting in huge losses to the government of India as well as traders.

Traders, who have to shell out Rs. 2000 as halting charges, also complained of pilferage taking place in the stranded trucks. Amrit Lal Jain, a trader, said, "It is a big loss, not only because detention charges are piling up, but also as the Indian government is losing crores on rupees on duties to be paid."

Citing reasons behind this, one of the traders said there was only one gate for imports, exports and passenger movement.

"For the past few days, Wagah has been bustling with VIP activities, with delegations from both sides visiting the other's territory. As a result of this, trade has come to halt. I am not saying these things should be stopped. But trade should not suffer at the cost of VIP activities or movement of passengers," he said. He further said there should be separate gates for cargo movement and passengers.

B K Bajaj, president, Indo Foreign Chmber of Commerce said, "The only solution to the problem is that there be separate areas notified by the Customs authorities at Wagah."

He also said there was need for cooperation from the BSF, Pak Rangers and Pakistan Customs authorities. This could be sought by holding a joint meeting at the no-man's land in Wagah. He added further that all concerned authorities would be persuaded to keep the Wagah check post open from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm for a few days to clear the current glut of stuck-up cargo.

He further added that a permanent solution to the problem would be the import of Afghan cargo by train.

Traders also met the local MP Navjot Singh Sidhu for clearance of the stranded trucks, and for the matter to be taken to the central government. The MP has assured them of all possible help.