China closes Rasuwagadhi border for six days

RASUWA, Oct 18: China has closed the Rasuwagadhi border crossing -- the only trade border between Nepal and China - for six days.

The northern neighbor took the decision taking into consideration the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China which is beginning in Beijing from Wednesday.

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The border crossing was closed at 1 pm on Tuesday as per the Chinese time.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sarath Kumar Thapa Chhetri, told Republica that the Chinese officials have informed them that the border crossing is being closed due to road maintenance works. “We have been told that the border is being shut due to road maintenance work. We don't have any information about the party meeting,” Chhetri added. 

However, Chinese officials have also returned Nepalis staying in Kerung for business purposes to Nepal, citing the National Congress of the Communist Party of China. All the Nepalis, who are operating hotels and shops as well as involved in bilateral trade, have returned home.

Landslides triggered by heavy rains have damaged K81 and K87 road sections in China. The Chinese side has notified Nepali officials that the border crossing has been closed as they need to use explosives to remove boulders from the road.