For 5 days, zero trade between India, Pakistan at Attari border

There was zero trade between India and Pakistan through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari border for the fifth consecutive day on Monday.

There was zero trade between India and Pakistan through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari border for the fifth consecutive day on Monday.

The stranded trucks at the Integrated Check Post on Attari Border on Monday. (HT Photo)

Hundreds of trucks are stranded on either side of the border with traders claiming that they were facing huge losses due to the logjam.

Demanding a hike in the labour charges, over 1,200 porters, who load and unload the trucks, went on strike five days back. The porters have an issue with the Clearing House Agents (CHA) over the token money called ‘daala’ (token sum paid for unloading goods). Both sides are claiming their right over this money.

Traders say they are facing losses as goods worth Rs 200 crore are lying on the Pakistani side and commodities valued at Rs 100 crore have piled up in the ICP sheds on the Indian side.

Several rounds of meetings have taken place over the issue but till the filing of the report, there was no headway.

Amritsar deputy commissioner Varun Roojam said, “Talks are on among the officials of ICP, porters and the staff of CHA. We expect the matter will be resolved at the earliest.”

The DC said over 250 trucks, mainly carrying cement, gypsum and dry fruits, were stranded on the Pakistani aide.

TRADERS MEET CUSTOMS OFFICIALS

Fearing losses, a delegation of traders on Monday evening met customs officials in Amritsar with the request to get the issue resolved at the earliest.

“The dispute is between clearing house agents and porters over the ‘daala’ money—which is a token sum of Rs 200 to Rs 300 per truck. Traditionally, CHA staff got the money, which the porters now have laid their claim on. Traders have nothing to do with it, but we all are facing losses,” said a trader who imports goods from Pakistan.