DEHRADUN: For the first time in two decades, the seasonal barter trade between India and Tibet will not take place this year as the Chinese government has not allowed Indian traders to enter Tibet through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.
Though the annual barter trade, which was scheduled to begin from June, was earlier postponed due to Beijing Olympics. A group of businessmen and porters, who tried to cross the border in August, were turned back from Taklakot by the Chinese authorities citing internal security reasons.
Due to lack of transport and other infrastructure facilities, traders trek from hilly terrains of Pithoragarh to reach Taklakot where the barter trade has been taking place since 1992 after a hiatus of 30 years.
This season, 60 trade passes were issued. But so far, no trader has been able to reach Taklakot.
“There is no permission from China for barter trade this season,” Pithoragarh district official said.
However, a group of traders left for Taklakot early this month. But the officials said the traders, who are camping at Gunji, would not be able to cross Lipulekh Pass due to inclement weather and heavy snowfall.
The volume of the Indo-Tibet trade has decreasing during the past three years. Last year, it registered the business to the tune of Rs 1.5 crore.
Indian traders are peeved at government’s inability to resume trade this season. They have also been demanding for revocation of ban on import of some Chinese items like raw silk and livestock which are in great demand in Indian markets.
