Issuance of departure and entry permits begins for Nepal-China border villages in Mustang

KATHMANDU, Oct 12: The distribution of departure and entry permits for residents of two remote villages in the Nepal-China border region of Mustang has officially commenced. According to the District Administration Office in Mustang, the issuance of China Departure and Entry Permits is underway for the residents of Lo Manthang and Lo Ghekar Damodar Kund Rural Municipality, situated on the border with China.

Chief District Officer Janakraj Pant revealed that based on the recommendations from the local governments, administrative personnel from the Lo Manthang local administration office have been accepting applications for China departure and entry permits since Tuesday. He emphasized, "Applications have been collected since Tuesday. Given the absence of authorized personnel in the locality and the district administration office, I am personally prepared to travel to Lo Manthang and sign the permits."

China, during Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit, expressed its readiness to open 14 trade ports in Nepal, including Korala.

With preparations underway for the operation of the Korala border crossing, the process of distributing entry permits to border area residents has been initiated. Holders of these entry passes will be able to travel to and from China without hindrance. On Monday, three employees were dispatched to the Lo Manthang area administration office to facilitate the distribution of border passes.

Pant noted, "Although a decision has been made to open the checkpoint, a specific date has not been fixed. We are making preparations to commence checkpoint operations as soon as possible after discussions with Chinese security officials and coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs."

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of the international trade fair that was traditionally held semi-annually at Korala since 2076 BS. In response, security officials and people’s representatives from Mustang have taken initiatives to organize a trade fair ahead of the Dashain festival.

The Ministry of Home Affairs received a diplomatic note from the Chinese Embassy on September 20, prompting the Mustang administration to prepare for the border opening. Chief District Officer Pant stated that a meeting will be arranged between Nepali and Chinese officials in the coming days.

Following the annexation of Tibet by China in 1951, Nepali land was used by the Tibetan Khampas for their rebellion. As a result, traffic at the Korala border was restricted from 2032 BS. In 2059 BS, China installed fencing at the border, marking a shift from the unrestricted movement that had been in place prior to 2058 BS, except during trade fairs.

The opening of this checkpoint is expected to enable residents of Mustang to access a wide range of materials, including daily essentials, construction supplies, clothing, and more at affordable prices. Additionally, it will facilitate the export of items such as Pashmina and herbs, as stated by Dhudhuke Bista, the ward chairman of Lo Manthang Rural Municipality-5.