KATHMANDU: The Tatopani checkpoint in Sindhupalchowk district has been closed for 20 days.

The major trade and export point between Nepal and China has been closed from Wednesday for the maintenance of the bridge, a source in the Sindhupalchowk District Administration Office said.

The Chinese side has informed that the checkpoint, which was not able to operate freely due to coronavirus pandemic, will be closed for 20 days.

With the closure of the checkpoint, Nepali traders are sure to undergo problems once again to import goods from China.

The Tatopani checkpoint remained closed this year several times.

Nepali traders have been piling pressure on the government to take initiative to facilitate the operation of the border with China.

Locals in December 27 last year had staged a protest against China at Tatopani checkpoint in Sindhupalchowk saying that China has imposed an ‘undeclared blockade’, hitting their lives hard.

Local resorted to protest saying that China closed the border point unilaterally although the checkpoint is said to be open officially.

Hundreds of locals had demonstrated carrying placards with messages— why the checkpoint has not resumed smooth operation, end the undeclared blockade, guarantee security to the bordering people, ensure the livelihood of the workers, and provide an environment for traders to bring their stranded goods.