ISLAMABAD (APP) - Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in occupied Kashmir has said that rock salt of Pakistan has a huge demand in the Kashmir Valley even today, hence it should be allowed to be imported from the Line of Control. Executive member, KCCI, Altaf Ahmad Tramboo said that the rock salt had remained in great demand in the past in Kashmir and the people were eagerly looking forward to receive rock salt from across the LoC, KMS reported. "Rock salt must be included in the list of commodities approved for cross-LoC trade. It would benefit not only the traders but the customers as well at cheaper rates," said Sheikh Ghulam Qadir, proprietor, M/s Sheikh Brothers at Maharaj Gunj Srinagar. According to the traders the rock salt was currently sold at Rs 8 per kg, which was cheaper than the salt procured via Jammu. "Rock salt is also used in some herbal medicines. It is believed to cure the throat infection quickly when used in throat gargles. It is also used to feed some animals," said Ghulam Rasool, a trader at Mehraj Gunj. "The taste of Pakistani rock salt is much better than that of Indian salt, hence we prefer it to the latter," said Ghulam Muhammad Lala, a customer at a local shop. Ghulam Qadir, proprietor M/s Ghulam Qadir and Sons at Zaina Kadal, Qaziyar, here said, " Before 1947 rock salt would come from Rawalpindi and would be received at S R Gunj market. Then after the import was stopped for a few years. Around 1950 after the governments of India and Pakistan were formed, the import started once again and the salt would come through Amritsar." He said presently little quatity of the rock salt was coming the Valley. "Earlier we would be selling rock salt in our stalls the way dry fruits are sold now. Most of the shops here would sell rock salt along with Indian salt, however the demand would be more for that of Pakistani salt," said Sheikh Ghulam Qadir.