Kathmandu Post

Editorial»

Unfriendly restriction

NOV 05 - The apparent restriction of free movement put by the Tibetan authority across the Nepal-Tibet border has upset the Nepalis visiting the Tibetan side of the border. Normally, the peoples of both the countries – Nepal and China – enjoy the right to move across the border, within the distance of 30 kilometres as stipulated by the Nepal-China Treaty. Unfortunately, the Tibetan authority posted along the border has failed to abide by that agreement since the visiting Nepalis are often sent back despite the document ~ ~ that allow them to move within the stipulated territory of Tibet.
Now the restriction of the cross border movement has become a matter of concern for those who have to cross the border for either trading or meeting people. Besides, the restriction not only undermines the understanding reached between the two countries but also prevents the local people from meeting their relatives. Such unwanted restrictions come at an inopportune time, especially when the Nepal-China trade is registering an unprecedented growth. Although the relations between the two countries date back to ancient times, the peoples of the two countries have become closer since Tibet became China’s province. Any kind of misunderstanding and dispute between the two countries over trade and cross-border movement in the past were resolved through negotiations.
China and India have recently agreed to resume trade through Sikkim for the benefit of the peoples living near the border. Some incidents of the Tibetan authority needlessly troubling the Nepali visitors should not come in the way of resolving the issue. A communication gap between high-ranking officials and their juniors can be reason behind the hassles. Nonetheless, the restriction of the movement of goods and people must end as early as possible. For, it is the people living on both sides of the border who suffer.
The trade between Nepal and China has always been in favour of the latter. Nepal’s trade deficit with China stands at around 12 billion rupees. Since it is an immediate neighbour of China and a least developed country, it should not be treated on a par with latter’s other trading partners. Although the Nepali government has repeatedly raised the issue of trade imbalance with China, it has yet to reciprocate in tangible terms. At this juncture, Nepal expects the lifting of restrictions on the movement of goods and people, reasonable concessions and a broader long-term economic policy from China. Posted on: 2003-11-04 09:46

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