KATHMANDU: Gorkha locals have urged Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha to initiate diplomatic efforts to open the border with China in the northern belt of Gorkha district.

A delegation from Chumanubri Rural Municipality in north Gorkha, led by Chairman Nima Lama, submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Shrestha, urging him to consider the opening of the border with China.

The delegation expressed concerns about the challenges faced by locals in accessing daily consumables, prompting them to seek government intervention.

In response, Home Minister Shrestha expressed his commitment to addressing the issue and pledged to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at reopening two border crossings in north Gorkha that were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Lama, the Nguila border crossing of Chekampar remained consistently open, while the Ruila border crossing of Samagaon operated for only 15 to 20 days annually.

Meanwhile, a separate delegation of people’s representatives recently met with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ seeking assistance in reopening both checkpoints in the district.

Locals emphasized that the reopening of these border crossings is crucial for residents of Chekampar, Chumchet, Sirdibas, Bihi, Lho, and Samagaon, as it would facilitate easier and more affordable imports of daily essentials from China.

The closure of the borders for the past five years has compelled residents to incur higher costs by transporting goods from the Arughat market in Gorkha, Lama said.

Essential items such as oil, rice, pulses, flour, biscuits, laundry, salt, meat, and rags were traditionally imported through Nguila and Ruila border crossings.

Chairman Lama highlighted the economic impact, noting that the closure had led to increased transportation costs from the Arughat market.

Additionally, Lama revealed that Minister Shrestha has responded positively to the request to open the Manaslu prohibited area.