India-China Border Trade via Lipulekh Pass to Resume After Six Years; First Batch of 26 Traders Cleared

By Mahima Katal

Pithoragarh, June 24: Border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass is set to resume after a six-year suspension, with the first batch of 26 Indian traders expected to enter Tibet on June 26, officials said.

According to Dharchula Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Trade Officer Ashish Joshi, authorities have issued 26 trade passes, including 17 traders and nine helpers. To facilitate the revival of trade activities, a customs office has also been established at Gunji.

"We expect the first batch of traders to cross into Tibet on June 26. They have already stocked their goods in warehouses located in villages near the Lipulekh Pass," Joshi said.

The administration has received applications from over 103 traders and is preparing to issue passes to a second batch of around 25 traders in the coming days.

To support transportation of goods, a designated area near Nabhidhang has been earmarked for mules and horses. The Lipulekh Pass is situated approximately 600 metres from the site.

Border trade through the Lipulekh route, which was reopened in 1991 after decades of closure, was suspended in 2020 following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, traders returning to the route face challenges linked to goods left behind when trade operations were halted.

Jeewan Singh Rongkali, president of the Bharat-Cheen Vyapar Samiti in Dharchula, said traders would first assess the condition of goods stored in Tibetan markets for the past six years.

"Our immediate priority is to inspect the goods stored there before the suspension. After evaluating the extent of damage, we will seek a relief package from the government to compensate traders for the losses caused by prolonged storage," Rongkali said.