Dry run before reopening of Nathula pass

Gangtok, July 1 (UNI) Two days before the reopening of the Nathula trade pass linking India and China, a dry run will be held on July 4, officials sources said here today.

Sikkim Principal Secretary Commerce and Industries Karma Gyasto said the main objective of the dry run will be to ensure smooth operation after the reopening of the trade route.

''The Nathula pass is reopening after 44 years. We do not want to see any lapses,'' he said. The trade route was closed in 1962 in the wake of the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict.

All exercises required to be conducted when actual trade starts will be done during the dry run.

Officials of departments like immigration, custom, police and army will be present during the dry run.

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling would formally inaugurate the Sherathang mart developed for bilateral trade and open the Nathu La pass on July 6.

More than 600 delegates would be present at the border to witness the historic event.

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