An Arunachal Pradesh delegation, led by Deputy Speaker Tesam Pongte, is currently in Manipur on an official visit to study the infrastructure, set-up, organisation and functioning of the border trade point at Moreh. The team is visiting Moreh to understand how the border trade with Myanmar is being operated. The government of Arunachal Pradesh is also planning to start border trade with Myanmar from Pangsau Pass, and is in the process of setting up infrastructure in this regard. The visit of the delegation, which includes Nampong MLA Laisam Simai, to Pangsau Pass will help in expediting the process.
It is time the state government explored similar possibilities of starting border trade with China. There are two routes, namely, Bumla in Tawang district and Kibithu in Anjaw, which have immense potential for border trade with China. Especially the geography and topography of Kibithu offers a perfect location. With towns like Dibrugarh and Tinsukia located nearby, Kibithu can emerge as the biggest trading point, even surpassing Moreh. Also, border trade will lead to more people-to-people contact, which will help to ease the tension between the two countries. If border trade with China starts from Arunachal Pradesh, then our state will emerge as a major trading hub in the whole NE region.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has on several occasions exhibited determination to take the state on the path of progress. Border trade with China would be the biggest boost to the development of the state. Khandu should seriously pursue this proposal with central leaders in Delhi. There is nothing wrong in trying, even though the chances of this proposal being rejected are quite high.