Chamling hails reopening of Nathula pass

Gangtok, June 26 (UNI) Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has hailed the reopening of Nathula pass on July 6 as the greatest achievement of the ruling SDF and said the state had played a major role in bringing the two Asian giants - India and China - closer.

Addressing newspersons here yesterday, Mr Chamling said, '' When our sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) assumed power in 1994, we took up the issue of reopening Nathula trade route before the Union Government. The resumption of Nathula trade will build friendship between two Asian giants, India and China. '' The SDF had taken the issue of reopening of Nathula in both administrative and political levels and met the Central leaders besides sensitising the crucial segments of the society, he said.

''Besides economical benefits, the reopening of Nathula will establish traditional linkages in Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) and mainland China. Our aim is to integrate trade with tourism and other related activities, '' Mr Chamling said.

A grand opening ceremony is on the cards on July 6 where around 100 traders will be invited to attend. Efforts will be made by the state government to include trades from each constituency of the state.

''Central leaders may come but till now, no official confirmation is received, '' Mr Chamling said.

The Chief Minister also outlined the huge benefits that Sikkim will get once the trade route resumes. Huge revenue will be generated from daily movement of trucks which at present is fixed only to 60 that might later increase to 500 which will provide direct employment to 2000 to 5000 people besides many others in allied activities, he said.

Initially, border trade passes and licenses will be issued only to those with certain criteria like Sikkim Subject Certification or those permanently settled in Sikkim and running business establishments, he said.

The travel passes would have to be renewed every year and was liable to be cancelled if any adverse report was received from police, he said.

Highlighting the recent agreement reached between the high level Indian delegation and the Chinese government, Mr Chamling said the border trade shall be opened for four months annually starting from June 1 to September 30.

The border trade marts at Sherathang, Nathula and Renqinggang of TAR will be open for four days a week from 0730 hrs to 1530 hrs and a permit fee of Rs 50 will be charged for every vehicle entering Sikkim from Chinese side. Similar charges will be levied on every vehicle crossing over to Chinese side up to Rengqingang.

Agricultural implements and produce, cycles, tea, cigarettes and local herbs are included in the list of 29 items fixed for export while goat skin, raw silk, butter and others are included in the list of 15 items to be imported.

''We are trying to expand the present list of trade items so that the people of the state benefits, ''Mr Chamling said.

Regarding the dark side of the trade, like smuggling and threat to environment, both the state government and the Centre are aware and will keep a tight vigil on the trade, he said.

UNI XC SJC SHB KN1811