Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government is committed to work with the Central government to open more trade routes across the Line of Control (LoC), chief minister Omar Abdullah said Wednesday.

He said his government wants to facilitate more meaningful trade between the two parts of the state by providing effective banking links, simplifying the procedures and easing restrictions on the movement of men and material.

However, opening up of more routes across the LoC will become possible only after the two countries sign an enabling agreement, Abdullah told the state legislative assembly in a written reply to a question by Nazir Gurezi of the National Conference (NC).

He said in pursuance of decisions taken in the round table conference convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a working group on “strengthening relations across the LoC” was constituted.

The working group, among other things, recommended opening of additional routes across the LoC, which includes the Gurez-Astoor-Gilgit road, he said.

At present, trade activities and bus services across the LoC have been established via Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch district and Salamabad in Baramulla district, he said.