CHAKOTHI, Oct 21: Trading across the Line of Control in Kashmir began for the first time in six decades on Tuesday, raising hopes of a drop in tension in the disputed Himalayan region.

The decision, taken only last month, to allow limited trade across the Line of Control symbolises attempts to solve the bitter dispute over the Himalayan region by creating “soft borders” allowing the free movement of goods and people. “I’am quite confident that this beginning will lead us to proper and regular trade and commerce,” Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, told reporters in Chakothi, while waiting for Indian trucks to arrive.

“All these steps, cross-LoC trade, communication, people-to-people contacts, talks, all these things slowly and gradually they are most generally contributing factors towards the ultimate resolution,” Khan said.

Occupied Kashmir Governor, N.N. Vohra, said the trade link was a major step in a slow-moving peace process: “Today is a historic day…The trade volume will increase.

“I’m completely hopeful that this will remove a lot of difficulties and create an atmosphere of friendship on the two sides,” the governor said.

A largely symbolic crossing shortly after midday was the first time vehicles were allowed to cross Aman Setu or Peace Bridge on the Line of Control since India and Pakistan fought a war over the region in 1947.

“Vehicles from both the sides have crossed over making history,” senior Indian industries official Pawan Kotwai said at Kaman Post, just near the Peace Bridge, as reporters from both sides waved at each other.

Kashmiri truckers from both sides said they were delighted about the resumption of trade.

“I’m very happy to be part of this historic moment,” said Ghulam Hassan Baba, a driver from Srinagar.

“Never in my dreams I had imagined that one day I would drive my truck and go to the other side,” said Mazhar Hussain, the driver of the first Pakistani truck, said before crossing the Line of Control.

Hussain, whose lorry carried a huge Pakistani flag, wept on arriving in occupied Kashmir.

“This is the day I have lived for,” he said, as tears rolled down his cheeks after people embraced him and posed for photographs with him. There was also huge excitement among the people who had lined up to welcome the truckers on both sides of the Line of Control.

“I was 12 years old when I last saw baskets of fruits being packed to be sent to Rawalpindi,” said Haji Abdul Ahad Bhat, a 74-year-old apple farmer from the Indian side.

Dozens of schoolchildren lined the road in Salmabad, a town in the Indian side near the Line of Control, where a specially designed trading post has been set up with warehouses and security checks for the goods.

The Indian trucks were decorated with flags and banners reading “Long live trade across the two sides”.

The head of a fruit growers’ association in occupied Kashmir said he hoped the renewed trade would transform the relationship between Indian and Pakistan to a more friendly one and extend trade opportunities for all.

“I hope our products will not just be sent to the other side, but eventually to Central Asia and the Gulf,” Ghulam Rasool said.

On the Pakistani side more than a dozen trucks carrying rock salt, garments and raisins made the crossing.

Schoolchildren and people on Pakistan side raised banners bearing the slogans “Kashmir will become Pakistan,” and “Long Live Kashmir freedom movement”.

For now, the route remains largely symbolic. After the inaugural exchange on Tuesday, only four trucks will be allowed across from each side once a week.

Freedom fighters on the Indian side, who have stepped up demands for a trade route between Indian and Pakistani-controlled sections of Kashmir during recent mass protests against Indian rule, hailed Tuesday’s trade opening as a victory.

“This is the first step toward achieving economic independence for Kashmir,” said All Parties Hurriyet Conference chief Mirwaiz Omer Farooq.

—AFP/Reuters/AP