Itanagar, June 18: Mired in bureaucratic delay, Arunachal Pradesh’s much hyped border trade prospects have hit a hurdle.

The Arunachal government is upbeat over the prospects of possible border trade with Myanmar, Bhutan and China through nine border trade points — Pangsau Pass, Dongshengmang and Bongkhar, Kenzamane, Bumla, Geiling, Kibithu, Mechukha, Monigong and Blething.

However, only two out of nine border trade routes are up for approval from the Union trade and commerce ministry.

The chief customs commissioner of central excise and service tax department of the Northeast, D.D. Ingty, during his recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh, said the border trade centre at Pangsau Pass in Changlang along the Myanmar border and Dongshengmang along the Bhutan border would be made functional soon.

However, the state trade and commerce department officials feel the whole process is hindered because of the Centre’s dilly-dallying.

B. Badu, an official of the state trade and commerce department, said though the department identified nine trade routes, the Centre assured them of approval for only two routes — Pangsau Pass and Dongshengmang.

“The much-talked about border trade prospect with countries like Myanmar and Bhutan generated hope for not only Arunachal Pradesh but also the Northeast. But in the absence of any concrete step the whole process seems to be caught up in the Centre’s dilly-dallying. The government identified Pangsau Pass, Dongshengmang and Bong-khar, Kenzamane, Bumla, Geiling, Kibithu, Mechukha, Monigong and Blething spread across Tawang, Kibithu, West Siang and Changlang to resume border trade with Bhutan, China and Myanmar but the Centre assured us of approval for Pangsau Pass and Dongshengmang only. Only Pangsau Pass has been developed as a border trade centre, which is awaiting formal trade with Myanmar after the state government receives a green signal from the Union trade and commerce ministry,” Badu said.

“The basic infrastructure like roads and trade centres were developed over the past three years to facilitate trade but unless the Centre approves, the routes cannot be opened,” he added.

He said people inhabiting Monigong, Mechukha and Tashigong in West Kameng district, Tawang, Bumla, Zemithang and Blething in Tawang district, Pangsau Pass in Changlang district, Changl-agam in Anjaw district and Geiling in Upper Siang district continued informal trade through these corridors.

A nod for formal resumption of trade will only boost the economy of the state. “Reopening border trade will not only augment the economy of Arunachal but also provide ample job opportunities and self-employment avenues for the entire region,” the official said.

Though trade relations with China were discontinued after Sino-Indian conflict in 1962, trade with Myanmar and Bhutan can be resumed.

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