Residents of Samrang, Phuentshogthang, Martshala and Pemathang gewogs in Samdrup Jongkhar continue to wait for a trade route through Samrang. This, they said will help transform their local economy and ease daily hardship. However, during the Meet the Press session today, the foreign affairs and external trade minister said that the establishment of an Integrated Check Post at Samrang will take some time.
Samrang Gewog shares its border with the Indian state of Assam.
Residents from both countries are permitted to cross the border on foot, while emergency vehicles are permitted with permission.
However, for transporting goods such as construction materials and agricultural produce, residents must rely on the longer route through the Samdrup Jongkhar border gate, a detour that adds to both time and cost.
Kishor Rai, a resident said “We don’t have much money, and when we build houses, we have to bring materials all the way from the Samdrup Jongkhar border gate. If the gate opens, we will save a lot in transport costs.”
Somraj Rai, another resident said “Business would also improve with people coming in from outside. Right now, we are only allowed to cross on foot and must hire Indian vehicles from the other side.”
Likewise, Krishna Rai said “We have areca nuts, coal, ginger, cardamom, and oranges to export. If the gate opens, it will be much convenient for us. Right now, the longer route adds to our expenses.”
Yadup Tiwari from Phuentshogthang Gewog said “It takes three hours to reach Samdrup Jongkhar from here. In that time, we could already reach Guwahati or other nearby Indian towns with our agricultural produce, if Samrang gate is opened. It would reduce costs and boost our local economy.”
During the Meet the Press session, the foreign affairs and external trade minister said that the government is actively following up with the Indian government to construct an Integrated Check Post at Samrang. The most recent meeting between the two sides was at the 6th Joint Group Customs Meeting held last month.
Foreign affairs and external trade minister, D.N Dhungyel said “Since the necessary infrastructure on the Indian side is not yet ready, we are unable to open the ICP. It will take some time to complete it, and we cannot say exactly when.”
He added that efforts are underway on the Indian side to establish the required infrastructure.
Kinley Wangchuk/Deki Lhazom
Edited by Tshering Zam
