Wednesday, September 28 2005 12:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Gangtok: The much-hyped Sino-Indian border trade through the Nathula pass in East Sikkim has been put off till March/April next year.

It was scheduled to open after a gap of over 40 years on October two this year.

A communication postponing trade between the two countries through Nathula was conveyed to the State Government here by the Ministry of External Affairs yesterday (Sept 27, 2005), B B Gooroong, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Pawan Kumar Chamling, told PTI here today (Sept 28, 2005).

The decision has been taken as the infrastructure on the Chinese side was reportedly not yet complete for commencing trade through the Himalayan pass, he indicated. Besides the fact that Nathula is absolutely snow-covered in the coming winter months was also taken into consideration, Goorong said.

Sikkim had, however, made all preparations, including setting up of a trade mart at Sherathang about five km off the border, the official said. Besides widening and fencing of the roads leading to the border outpost to meet the October deadline for the commencement of trade between the two neighbours were undertaken.