Peace trade: trade brings hopes for peace in Kashmir

theguardian.com

One of the first signs of peace between any conflicting nations or communities is the onset of trade. Trade brings hopes for peace.

The Guardian (June 19) reports on the initiative encouraging trade across Kashmir: Pakistan-administered Kashmir trading with Indian Kashmir. Between the two sides is the de facto border, the Line of Control. Two communities near the Chakothi Bridge have embraced in trade and peace after almost 60 years of separation.

The area was divided during the Partition of 1945, with intense periods of fighting from 1989 until the ceasefire announced in 2003. In 2008 there were attempts to build trust along the Line of Control through limited trade. Since 2009, Conciliation Resources’ Trading for Peace initiative has been working with local groups to create reasons to trade. It works with business chambers, civil society, and journalists to encourage communication and trade.

The system is locally referred to as ‘blind trade’ because goods are exchanged for goods – the barter system – rather than for money. The trust-building agreement allows the exchange of a limited list of 21 items under a zero tariff regulation – and this is possible because the Line of Control is not a ‘hard’ border (an international border). Intra-Kashmir trade is between one part of Kashmir and another part of Kashmir (Pakistan and India).

To facilitate the trade is a system of rigorous scrutiny at the trade facilitation centres. Trucks carrying the permitted goods are allowed to cross the Line of Control, with the driver the only person accompanying the goods.

But the traders do not know what they will receive in exchange. One member of the Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries said he was sending oranges and receiving carpets. Despite the uncertainty of what they will receive, businesses on both sides support the intra-Kashmir trade because it restores business. Currently more than 30 traders are involved.

The intra-Kashmir trade is seen as an opportunity to improve livelihoods without compromising political views. It also creates new possibilities for economic and cultural relationships.

The system does have detractors though. Those opposed to the process say that it is being used to replace political dialogue. However, the traders say that the process does not negate or concede their political aspirations.

As Siddiq Wahid, historian in Indian-administered Kashmir, says ‘Trade leads to the development of social relationships, which leads to emotional integration, which in turn leads to trust.’ Hence trade brings hopes for peace in Kashmir.

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/jun/19/kashmir-trade-india-pakistan-peace#img-1

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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