Preparations underway to open Korala checkpoint: CM Pandey

Published On: October 5, 2023 07:00 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

MYAGDI, Oct 5: The chief minister (CM) of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, has said preparations have been made for the operation of the Korala cross-border checkpoint in Mustang.

After carrying out an onsite visit reaching Pillar no 24 located at the border between Mustang and Tibet Autonomous Region of China on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pandey pointed out the need for constructing physical infrastructures immediately in the border area in Mustang, as physical infrastructures on the other side of the border in Tibet have already been constructed.

He said, "The government is preparing to open the Korala checkpoint and we held discussions with the federal government, Prime Minister and concerned ministries on this issue. The government's attention was focused on making the road reaching the Korala checkpoint possible for regular movement of vehicles upgrading the road."

The trade fair which is organized twice a year at the Korala checkpoint has not been organized since 2076 BS following the coronavirus pandemic.

On the occasion, Chief District Officer of Mustang, Janak Raj Pandey, mentioned that the Chinese side was ready to open the checkpoint and talks with Chinese officials will be held in this regard.

Similarly, preparations are on to make arrangements for allowing the cross-border movement of people residing within 30 kilometers of the checkpoint in all months on the basis of identity card.

After inspection of the checkpoint, Gandaki Province-level security committee and Mustang district level security committee meetings were held in Korala.

A team comprising Chief Minister Pandey, federal parliament members and province assembly members had visited locals of more than 10 villages of bordering areas.

An interaction was held among the chief minister, people's representatives and locals regarding the status of projects run by the provincial government, budget allocated in the current fiscal year and complaints of locals, said CM Pandey's press coordinator Narahari Sapkota.

(RSS)