Efforts on to re-open trade routes with neighbouring countries: Mithi

NAHARLAGUN, March 25: The Arunachal Pradesh Government is making concerted efforts to reopen the traditional border trade routes with China, Bhutan and Myanmar to make this tribal-dominated state a nerve centre of border trade in near future. "My government is pursuing the matter with the Centre for taking up bilateral talks with the governments of our neighbouring countries on priority basis," Mithi said while responding to a private member resolution on border trade routes moved by the former chief Minister Gegong Apang in the Assembly. Moving the resolution, Apang said: "This Assembly is of the opinion that the government take steps to approach once again to the Union government for re-opening of border trade routes with its neighbouring countries i.e. by connecting proper road facilities through our state in a time-frame with similar spirit with Manipur in Moreh and Sikkim in Nathula." Justifying his move, Apang said that there had been traditional trade links with these countries, and still border trades are going on non-officially for centuries together. He said, "It will help in containing illegal border trade, reducing unemployment and in maintaining healthy relationships with our neighbouring countries." Trade and Commerce Minister Nabum Tuki, while appreciating the resolution said, "Myanmar govt is objecting in opening of new routes and has insisted on making operationalisation of the existing routes in Moreh in Manipur and Nathula in Sikkim." But, Tuki stated that state government would approach the Centre once again for early opening of the routes through Pangsu Pass in Tirap sector. As far as border trade with China is concerned, Centre has taken up the matter with Beijing. However, the response from China was very poor because border with China is still under dispute. Zemithang in Tawang district, Kibito and Walong in Lohit district, Geling in Upper Siang, Monigong in West Siang and Taksing in Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh are some of the places which have border trade with China.