Indo-China border trade fails to begin today due to inclement weather

May 1,  6:1 PM This year’s Indo-China border trade through Nathula in Sikkim, could not begin today due to inclement weather. The trade has been deferred for the time being in view of the prevailing bad weather conditions. The State Commerce and Industries Secretary, B K Kharel told our Gangtok Correspondent that traders, immigration officials and all other concerned could not go beyond Sherathang as a thick layer of snow blocked the road leading to Nathula. He said that as all efforts by the BRO to clear the snow proved too little to the enormosity of the snow, it was decided to defer the trade for an indefinite period. Mr. Kharel said that fresh dates for commencement of the trade will be announced later on. The centuries old trade through this route had resumed in July 2006 after coming to an abrupt halt in the wake of the 1962 Indo-China War. The trade takes place from 1st May to 30th November every year. Nathula is one of the three Indo-China border trade points besides, Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh in Uttarakhand. ( ALL INDIA RADIO)