Custom officials hit by boulders, no border trade takes place

NIRMAL MANGAR

GANGTOK, May 3: The fifth edition of Nathu La border trade between Indian State of Sikkim and Tibet Autonomous Region of China underwent from today but business could not take place as two Indian Customs officials were injured when a loose boulder crashed into their vehicle at 13th Mile near Kyongsla along the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg.

Havaldar AK Dey sustained leg injuries while inspector Prashant Rasaily sustained injuries in his face. However the injuries were not major.

The custom officials were heading towards the Nathu La border to supervise the border trade when their vehicles were hit by boulders slipping from the road above at 13th mile where road widening works are being done by Border Roads Organization.
“We decided to take the injured officials to Gangtok for treatment as a result, we did not proceeded towards the border for the trade”, said Customs superintendent PT Bhutia to reporters.

The vehicle has also been damaged and the Customs officials have decided to approach their superiors for an alternative arrangement. The officials said that they will be positioned for their duties from tomorrow as usual.

The unfortunate incident meant no business could take as no traders from both sides could cross the border due to non-clearance of Customs procedure.

Several Chinese traders had reached the gate at the international gate at 9 am in the morning returned back to TAR. The traders from Sikkim who were seeking to reach Renquingang trade mart in the TAR side also returned back from the gate.

“We have come with new aspirations and hopes to participate in the border trade”, said Pema Ledya Sandgerpa to reporters.

Officials from State Commerce & Industries department-director Kamal Kafley, deputy secretary Sumita Pradhan, joint secretary NT Bhutia-had represented the State government on the inaugural day.

According to the East District Admistration, around 160 traders had applied for trade licenses to participate in the trade out of which 52 were issued.

“The verification process is going on for the remaining applications and we will issue the same once it gets through the verification process”, District Collector (East) D Anandan.