“LoC trade was intended as a confidence-building measure for the population living in remote areas of Jammu & Kashmir and living across the LoC in PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir). However, third parties manipulated the trade and misused it for trading goods being produced outside J&K. For example, almonds produced in California found their way in LoC trade and it involved a large transport network spread in many countries," a senior home ministry official revealed on condition of anonymity. Some India nationals who have crossed over to Pakistan and joined militant organizations have opened trading firms in Pakistan. As a result, many trading firms under the control of militant organizations are engaged in LoC trade with Indian trading firms that are operated by their own relatives on the Indian side."

Source: Mint April 19, 2019 10:52 UTC