According to Tashi Sherpa, a local resident of Olangchungola, the Tibet police have sent a message to residents in the bordering areas not to enter Tibet for four months. Likewise, residents of Tibet have also been asked not to travel to Nepal during the period.[break]
Local police in Olangchunggola, however, said though they had heard the rumors, Tibetan authorities are yet to inform them about the closure.
Local businessmen said the border could be sealed fearing protests from Tibetan activists marking the anniversary of Dalai Lama´s exile from Tibet on March 10.
Another local businessman Dawa Yan said the border could open after March 10. “Nothing unpleasant takes place in this area. So, I believe that the border would open soon,” he said.
Local businessmen in Olangchunggola, Ghunsa and Yagma of Taplejung use Tiptala and Topkegola border-point of Papung area to trade with Tibetan businessmen. Likewise, businessmen in Sankhuwasabha use Kimathanka border-point for trade with Tibet.
Locals in the bordering areas are likely to be affected badly due to the closure.
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