Nathu-la is going to be a very important route of international
business between India and China. Realizing its importance the High
Powered Steering Committee on Nathu-la visited the border area yesterday
to make a spot assessment of the infrastructural requisites.
The steering committee, formed in July
2003, includes Mr. Alok Srivastava, the commerce and industries secretary;
Members of home, land revenues forest and other government departments.
Police and Army officers were also part of the committee. The primarily
intention of the committee was to open a new way of border trade.
To make this possible the secretary of the State Government Mr S.W.
Tenzing was given the post of Chairman of the committee. The committee
organised its first meeting during the last week.
On July 13, in the meeting of Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh
and the Chief Minister of Sikkim Mr. Pawan Kumar Chamling, the matter of re-opening of the inter-border
trade was decided to be postponed till 2005. The newly formed Congress-led
UPA Government will study the matter in depth and take a decision
in collaboration with the commerce ministry.
Mr. Srivastava explained that the decision of commencement of trade
through Nathu-la is depending upon the report to be prepared by
the concerned committee. He also added that the report will be prepared
after taking into consideration the attitude of the Central Government
in this regard.
The infrastructural requirements like immigration counters, visa,
alternate routes, warehousing facilities, check posts and issues
concerned with border securities are still to be considered |
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