Reopening of Nathu La heralds beginning of new era : Chamling

Gangtok, July 6 (UNI) Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said today's reopening of Nathu La for border trade after a long (gap of) 44 years will mark the beginning of a new era in the relationship between between two economic powers of Asia - China and India.

''The beginning had been made for bigger things to come as the people of two countries would witness this event as an harbinger of peace, flourishing trade, deeper understanding, wider cooperation and durable friendship between the two emerging world powers, he said.

Describing the day as historic, Mr Chamling said the reopening of the route linked the two great civilisations.

Quoting former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the Chief Minister said, '' The people of China are knit to us by a thousand bonds since the dawn of the history. '' '' We stretch our hands in comradeship. Their sufferings hurt us and we shall hold together whatever good or ill fortune befall on us, '' he added.

The reopening of the trade route justified the statement to mutually share the joy with all, he said adding the reopening of the great Himalayan pass augurs well for the collective well being of both countries.

People of Sikkim had been aspiring for the reopening of this trade for the resumption of both economic and cultural intercourse, Mr Chamling noted.

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