India is going to restart border trade with China through Lipulekh Pass in June. This old route was closed since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but now it is being reopened. According to the report of Times of India, this business will run from June to September and if the weather is fine, it can be extended further. Officials believe that this time more people will participate in it due to better road facilities. Permits for business will be given as per the prescribed rules, so that traders and their assistants will get a chance to register on time.
Pithoragarh DM Ashish Kumar Bhatgani said that all necessary preparations are being made before restarting and meetings have also been held with different departments. The Ministry of External Affairs has informed this to Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, after which the local administration has started preparations.
sensitive and strategic path
According to the report, the border trade through these Himalayan routes has been quite old and a bit complex. This trade stopped after the India-China war of 1962, but it was started again in 1992. In 2020, it had to be closed again due to Corona. Local traders were demanding to restart it for a long time. Especially after the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra started again from the same route last year, the expectations had increased further.
This pass has been in dispute
Nepal has been disputing this area Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura for a long time and claims them as its part, whereas these areas have been under the control of India for a long time. Tension increased in the year 2020 when India built a road from Dharchula to Lipulekh. Nepal protested against this and released its new map. Recent changes in Nepal’s politics may also affect this issue, but its objections regarding trade through this route still remain.
Business will increase with better infrastructure
Lipulekh Pass, situated at an altitude of about 17,500 feet, connects India to Tibet. This route has been used for trade and travel for centuries. Now business is expected to get big benefits due to better infrastructure. The motor road built in 2020 has changed the old system of carrying goods by mules and sheep. This will save time and also reduce expenses.
All necessary facilities like bank, customs, network and security are being prepared at Gunji Business Centre. With better connectivity and easier access, officials hope that the opening of this route will boost the local economy and reinvigorate cross-border trade.
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