Agonising wait for Indian traders to enter Tibet
Agonising wait for Indian traders to enter Tibet
B.D.Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, July 17
In the absence of permission from Chinese authorities for the Indian traders to enter Tibet for border trade from Lipulekh pass and go to Taklakot mart has led to frustration amongst 50 traders who are awaiting to avail the opportunity since July 7, the schedule date for the trade to start. While half of the traders have returned to their natives places to Dharchula, some of them are still awaiting for the permission at the Indian mart at Gunji.
“We are waiting for permission since July 7, this year while Chinese authorities have informed that the delay was due to non -completion of houses and shops for Indian traders at Taklakot mart in Tibet,” said Jeewan Singh Rongkali, a senior tribal traders and president of Bharat Cheen Vyapar Samiti at Dharchula.
“Had we reached there in time, our 40 percent goods would have been sold till date,” said Ronkali.
Rongkali wanted Indian administration to talk to Ministry of Commerce and External Affairs to let the Indian traders enter China. “Since 1992, when the trade resumed, we never faced such uncertain situation in this trade,” said Rongkali.
The Indian traders said that whereas the perishables goods have started decaying due to moisture following rains, over 70 horses and mules, stationed at Shyagshung nalla, have also started facing crisis of fodder as their owners have earned nothing in last 10 days. “Finding the wait agonising, over 25 traders have returned to their homes, only 4 traders are there at Gunji and surrounding villages,” said Indian trader.
Pithoragarh District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgai, has said that he is in touch with the External Affairs ministry and Tibetan authorities and expect the trade will start soon. “We are regularly sending reminders to Tibetan authorities in China and sharing with them the conditions of Indian traders waiting at Gunji,” said the DM.
The Indo China border trade from 17500 feet high Lipulekh pass, that was resumed this year after 7 years, will continue till last date of October this year.” This delay will not hinder the Indian traders interests,” claimed the DM.
