The cross LoC trade commenced on Poonch-Rawalakot route with the Advisor to Governor, Mr. H. H. Tyabji flagging off three trucks carrying gift items from Beopar Mandal, district Poonch for the people across LoC, here today. The gift items include vegetables and fresh fruit. The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range Dr. Kamal Saini, Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, Mr. Mohammad Afzal, other officers, prominent citizens, functionaries of the Beopar Mandal, Poonch and a number of people of the area were present on the historic occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tyabji described the day as historic on which the cross-LoC trade commenced after 61 years. He exuded confidence the trade will flourish in the coming years, adding that it will also help in promoting people to people contact. Mr. Tyabji lauded the administration for creating facilities at the Cross-LoC Trade Centre (CLTC) at Chakan-Da-Bagh within the shortest possible time. He said it demonstrates the keenness and enthusiasm of the people about the launching of the trade. He also referred to the items approved for the cross-LoC trade and said that the list would be periodically reviewed keeping in view the needs of the people. Referring to the recent visit of POK trade delegation, the Advisor said that the delegation was keen to visit Rajouri and Poonch districts but could not do so due to paucity of time. He said that this indicated the enthusiasm especially among the trading community of both sides to start the cross-LoC trade. The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, in his welcome address, congratulated the people saying that in the last 23 days all the concerned departments worked overtime for setting up the infrastructural facilities at the CLTC at Chakan-da-Bagh the foundation stone of which was laid by the Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra on September 28. Mr. Pandey said that all the required facilities have been put in place at the Trade Centre for smooth conduct of trade. The opening of Cross-LoC trade has brightened marketing avenues for the local produce, he added and hoped that the trade would increase with the passage of time. The General Secretary, Beopar Mandal, Poonch district thanked the government for putting in place the requisite facilities at Chakan-Da-Bagh in a record time. He said the Beopar Mandal today sent three truck loads of gift items as a goodwill gesture to the people across the LoC. Earlier, the Advisor to Governor inaugurated the Cross LoC Trade Centre at Chakan-Da-Bagh. He inspected the facilities at the Centre which include truck parking, Custom and Custodian offices, room for exporter and importer agents, examination hall, etc. Later, the Advisor and Divisional Commissioner, as well as the trucks carrying the consignment from this side, were received at the LoC by the Deputy Commissioner, Rawalakot, Mr. Zaffar Mehmood. They exchanged sweets and pleasantries.