SCC requests China to compensate traders for loss suffered in 1962

Gangtok, June 11 (UNI) Sikkim Chamber of Commerce(SCC) today requested China to compensate Sikkimese traders for the losses suffered due to sudden closure of trade following the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict.

SCC president S K Sarda here said he made the request when he called on the four-member Chinese delegation which came here early this month to assess border trade between India and China through the Nathu La pass.

''I told the delegation that more than a hundred traders from Sikkim had opened shops in Yatung in China, had bank deposits in Bank of China and a flourishing trade before the war,'' Mr Sarda said.

''But the traders had to leave suddenly after the Chinese government gave them a short notice. Neither could they withdraw their money from the bank nor were they able to bring their goods back, thereby suffering losses to the tune of Rs 20 crore,'' he said.

''Though we have made many requests to the Indian government for the compensation, nothing has materialised so far,'' he rued.

But with both countries having a good relations ''we take the opportunity to request the Chinese delegation to help compensate the traders,'' Mr Sarda added.

Mr Sarda said the response from the delegation was very 'optimistic'.

''We will bring your demand to the notice of the Chinese government and see that all your claims are looked into positively,'' the Chinese delegation said, claimed Mr Sarda.

He said the Chinese delegation also asked him to submit the claims.

The SPCC president said after the meeting with the delegation the traders were asked to prepare their claims. ''After we receive the claims it would be submitted to the Chinese authorities through the Union government,'' he explained.

The Chinese delegation also volunteered to provide technical know- how for setting up of any industry in Sikkim, Mr Sarda said.

UNI