Amritsar, August 7, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Fulfilling his promise made during the elections, MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla today raised the issue of opening Wagah Border trade in the Parliament. He said that this trade was not stopped even after the wars of 1965 and 1971, but now it has been stopped after the Balakot attack, whereas it acts as the backbone for employment in Amritsar.
Issue raised in Zero Hour
MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla today raised the issue of Wagah Border trade in Zero Hour. He said that the Wagah border from where trade was being done with Pakistan for years was closed after the Balakot attack by imposing 200 percent custom duty.
He said that this is a very ancient trade because socially and historically their culture is the same with Pakistan. When the trade was open, around 500 trucks used to come daily for import. But after the Balakot attack, it was closed due to which about 10 thousand people became unemployed.
He said that on one hand there is talk of setting up industry, while on the other hand the already running business and employment is being closed. Due to the closure of trade, truck drivers, workshop workers, all became unemployed.
ICP built in 120 acres
MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla said that trade should be restarted at Wagah border. ICP is built in 120 acres which was inaugurated in 2012, which is now lying idle. Amritsar and Lahore have an ancient relationship.
Trade has been done from here to Afghanistan and UAE. He said that even after the wars of 1965 and 71, it was not closed but now the government has closed it whereas it is the backbone for Amritsar.
He said that since it is a border area, there is no industry there and hence the closure of this employment is very harmful for the people. That is why he wants the government to take cognizance of this and start it as soon as possible.
