Wanted in POK: Barbed wire, namaz caps & bats from India

URI: As tensions escalate in the valley, a strange demand for goods from across the border in POK has stunned Indian authorities. Barbed wires and cricket bats have appeared in the proposed list of 72 items to be exported from Kashmir to POK.

Not many know that apart from the Karvan-e-Aman bus service, barter trade has also been going on since 2008 between the two sides where sixwheeler trucks are allowed to ferry commerical goods on a barter service. The service is operated between Salamabad in Uri in India and Chakothi in Muzaffarabad, POK. It's only one of many medieval trades that involve no money.

"Even we were surprised when we discussed the items demanded with the POK director of trade. Farmers and sports lovers are the same everywhere. The reason for bar bed wires is the pressure from both governments to ensure no intrusion from either side.The list is now lying with the MEA," said Farooq Ahmad Shah, custodian, Trade Facilitation Centre, Salamabad.

The list of items to be exported to POK also include namaz prayer caps and are as wide-ranged as mouth fresheners, gent suits, wedding card boxes and coir mattresses.

The only "handicap" Kashmiris face is that they can't dial in their Pakistani counterparts. "Due to laws here, we wait for them to call when the list is prepared," said Hilal Tirkey , a trader in Srinagar.