Second batch of Indian traders enter Tibet
Second batch of Indian traders enter Tibet
B.D.Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, Sept 7
Indo-China border trade through Lipulekh Pass gained further momentum on Monday, with the second batch of 17 Indian traders and helpers entering Tibet early in the morning.
The batch comprised nine traders and eight helpers. Ashish Joshi, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dharchula and the designated trade officer, said permission for the batch was received from Chinese authorities in Tibet on Sunday evening.
“We received a message from Chinese officers in Tibet last evening stating that 17 new traders could cross over into Tibet for trade. Accordingly, the batch entered Tibet today,” Joshi said.
Indian traders have been allowed to enter Tibet for trade after a gap of nearly one month. The first batch of 20 traders had crossed into Tibet on August 1 this year, sources said.
“Besides the batch of 17 traders, goods worth around Rs 19 lakh have also been taken by them. Some goods have also reached Gunji as imports from Tibet, but their actual value is still being assessed,” the trade officer said.
According to Joshi, a total of 174 trade passes have been issued this year for border trade through Lipulekh Pass. Of these, 69 have been issued to traders and the remaining to helpers.
“Of the 174 persons, 37 have so far entered the Tibetan mart at Taklakot. The remaining traders and helpers will be sent in batches after we receive fresh permission from the Chinese authorities in Tibet, as every batch requires separate permission,” he said.
