RS MP Dorjee Tshering Lepcha flags livelihood crisis in Sikkim, seeks clarity on reopening Nathula border trade

Rajya Sabha Member Dorjee Tshering Lepcha on  December 10, Wednesday, urged the Union Government to take urgent steps to resume border trade between India and China through the historic Nathula Pass in Sikkim, citing severe livelihood losses for thousands of families since the route was shut in 2020.

Raising the issue in Parliament, Lepcha said the prolonged closure had pushed traders, porters, transport operators and residents of border villages into deep economic distress. He called the Nathula trade route a “vital economic lifeline” for Sikkim and an important confidence-building measure between the two countries.

Lepcha highlighted that cross-border commerce had sustained border communities for generations, and the abrupt halt following Covid-19 restrictions and tensions along the India-China border had left the local economy fragile. Many families living around Nathula, he said, still lacked alternative livelihood options and continued to wait for a clear policy direction from the Centre.

The MP pointed out that reports suggested India and China had held discussions on reopening the route and had reached an understanding “in principle,” though no official announcement had been made. The continuing uncertainty, he said, had only aggravated the hardships faced by border communities.

Lepcha asked the government whether a formal decision had been taken on reopening the Nathula trade route and sought details of any proposed timeline. He also demanded to know if traditional and registered traders from Sikkim would be given priority in the initial phase of reopening to help revive their incomes.

Further, he sought information on the measures the Centre planned to implement, financial assistance, infrastructure support, improved customs procedures and transport facilitation, to help the region recover from the losses incurred over the last four years.

Stressing that the matter extended beyond economic concerns, Lepcha said the resumption of border trade was also linked to national security and regional stability. He urged the government to clarify its position and announce a concrete policy framework at the earliest.