Indian delegation crosses over Indo-china border

Nathu La, Sikkim, June 20 (UNI) For the first time after a gap of 44 long years since the Indo-China border was closed in 1962, an Indian delegation crossed over the border at Nathu La from Tibetan Autonomous Region(TAR) of China heralding a new era of friendship in bilateral relations between the two Asian giants.

The six-member delegation, led by Union Additional Secretary Commerce, Christe Fernadez, was given a warm welcome as his team stepped into the Indian soil after visiting Yatung and Rinchengaang, the trade marts developed by Chinese side for the border trade.

The delegation had gone to Lhasa via Kathamandu on June 16 to work out the modalities for the reopening of the Nathu La Pass for the proposed border trade scheduled to take off on July six.

Sikkim Chief Secretary N D Chingappa and other top officials welcomed the delegation at a function held at 14,420 feet above the sea level.

Massive gates were erected and colourful flags were put at Nathu La and Sherathang, the trade mart developed by the India for the proposed trade, giviving it a festive look.

The ITBP personnel also accorded a gurad of honour to the delegation in front of the Custom and Immigration office at Sherathang.

Addressing newsperson, Mr Fernadaz said though it was agreed at a meeting at Lhasa to re-open the Nathu La trade route on July 6, but the date would be confirmed only after the concurrence of Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

If reopned, it would be the third route for the both countries for conducting trade after Lipulekh in Uttaranchal and Shipkila pass in Himachal Pradesh.

Mr Fernadez said in terms of preparedness, India was far ahead of China for starting the trade.

The other members of the delegation included Joint Secretary (Border Management) Ministry of Home Affairs H S Brahma, Sikkim Industry Secretary Karma Gyasto, Commander, 63, Mountain Bridge Brig Narasimhan, Director (China) Minister of External Affairs Saurabh Kumar and Director Central Board of Custom and Excise M K Singh.

Senior officials from various departments of the state government Telecommunication, Defence and State Bank of India were also present at the function.

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