Bhutan-Assam border reopens after 10 yrs


Thimpu—A grand Fair and Craft Bazar at Subankhata in Assam, which is 25km away from Samdrupjongkhar town marked the opening of the Bhutan-Assam border that had remained sealed for almost a decade.

Before the border was sealed, farmers from Yurung gewog traded their farm produces such as vegetables, dry chillies, oranges, cardamom in the border town.

There are six Bhutanese stalls that sell garments and traditional food at the seven day fair which is also the second Indo-Bhutan friendship fair.

The border gate, Chawki is about six hours walk from Yurung gewog and around 35 km away from Samdrupjongkhar town towards Nanglam.

A 45 seater bus is arranged to ferry Bhutanese visitors to the fair for free.

One of the villagers Sergay Lhadon a mother of two recalled the days when they used to come with their products to Assam and stay overnight at the homes of their Assamese friends.

They returned home with rice, oil salt. “We were scared to cross border after the problems,” she said. “Now that it has re-opened I’m glad that my farm produces at least have a market.” Bhutan India Friendship Association’s (BIFA) youth secretary of Assam Anil Daimary assured that security personnel are deployed during the fair for the safety of the Bhutanese people.

BIFA’s secretary Norbu Wangdi said the fair is organised to revive the friendship between Bhutan and Assam. —AP