Amid escalating tensions and increased border skirmishes between India and Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has sought opening of more travel and trade routes across the Line of Control (LoC).
In her meetings with Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Mufti said, “The move will enhance the movement of people and goods on both sides of the de-facto border.”
The CM reiterated her demand for regularisation of the Nepal route for Kashmiri youth who crossed over to Azad Kashmir.
Mufti argued that in the absence of such a regularised route, the youth returning to Jammu and Kashmir are facing “innumerable problems”.
Mufti also stressed on the need for handing over the land at Tattoo Ground in Srinagar – used by the army — to the state government for promoting tourism activities.
The state government has also been demanding a revision of rent on the state’s land used by the army.