E-Paper
Reopening of Nathula tentatively set for Sept
The resumption of border trade between India and China through Nathula in Sikkim has been set tentatively for September this year.
The resumption of border trade between India and China through Nathula in Sikkim has been set tentatively for September this year.
This has been conveyed to the state government by a 12-member inter-ministerial team from New Delhi, Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling's advisor BB Gooroong told the agency in Gangtok on Thursday.
However, in the initial phase, trading activities between the two countries will be on a 'small scale' and be 'localised'. It will remain confined to a radius of only 15 kms on either side of the border in the beginning, he said.
Full-scale trade between the two countries through Nathula may start later on, depending on the results of the initial phase.
Trade marts will be set up at Sharathang, a village about 7 kms from Nathula on the Indian side of the border and at Rinchingang, which is around 8 kms from the international border in China, Gooroong said.
The team led by National Security Council Additional Secretary, SD Pradhan, and comprising officials of the ministries of Home, Defence, Commerce and Industries, Customs, Intelligence Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is n Gangtok to explore the possibilities of an early opening of border trade through Nathula between the two neighbouring countries.
Ever since the Sino-Indian trade pact was signed in 2003, the people of the Himalayan state have been eagerly looking forward to resumption of trade between the two neighbours through the mountain pass.
