No border trading centres without China’s consent

The Dollar Business Bureau

The Indian government has confirmed that no trading centres will be set up in Arunachal Pradesh at the Chinese border without a consent from Beijing. The Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that China should mutually agree to setup 'border haats' in Arunachal Pradesh.

“Why can't India set up 'border haats' along the Sino-Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh?” Ninong Ering, Congress MP from the state recently questioned the government. In a response to the query, Rijiju commented that trade is not possible in 'border haat' without a collaboration from the other country in this case, China. At present, there is only one border trading post with China at Nathu La in Sikkim.

Rijiju further said that India and Bangladesh have mutually agreed to establish six 'border haats' for encouraging trade at the international borders.  Currently four 'border haats' are in operation at the Indo-Bangladesh border, two each in Meghalaya and Tripura. Four ‘border haats' are going to come up yet again in these two states.

According to Rijiju, the 'border haats' are set up not only to boost trade and financial wellbeing of the people in the borders of the countries, but to also maintain peace and tranquillity in the regions. The Home Ministry is facilitating border security in these areas to encourage smooth trading between the two countries.

During the past two years of Narendra Modi-led government, many efforts have been taken to encourage trade along the international borders. The government is not satisfied with the developments and is committed to do more, he said.

The government has followed a multi-pronged strategy for effective management of Indian borders. It also wants to curb insurgency and maintain peace in the border areas. Necessary steps have already been taken to curb human trafficking in these areas. Issuing advisories to state governments and sensitising law enforcement agencies are some of them, he added.