Border check points with Tibet still closed, possibility of food shortage in northern Gorkha

Gorkhabazaar, June 28: The transit point bordering Tibet autonomous region of China, closed after the recent 'Gorkha' quake, has not been opened yet.

Quake survivors in Gorkha district complained that they are unable to bring different materials from Tibetan markets as border check point at Chhekampar and Samagaun VDCs linked with Tibet have not been opened yet.

The District Administration Office, Gorkha, and District Natural Disaster Rescue Committee, Gorkha, had sent a letter to the Foreign Ministry demanding to open the border check point.

Nima Lama of Chhekampar VDC said, "Quake survivors have been facing problem due to shortage of foodstuffs for lack of market."

Shops at Chhekampar VDC are closed for the past one and half months for lack of different materials including foodstuffs. The quake survivors have been compelled to depend on relief materials. Tibetan markets are a daylong walk from Chhekampar and Samagaun VDCs.

The District Natural Disaster Rescue Committee, Gorkha, has supplied different materials including foodstuff at northern VDCs in the district via helicopter. Quake survivors of Sirdibas, Bihi, Lho, Prok, Chumchet, Chhekampar and Samagaun areas would be benefitted after the resumption of Tibetan check point.

The Committee has demanded that the government provide helicopter services to help maintain a stock of foodstuffs for three months.

Chief District Officer Uddhav Prasad Timalsena said, "There will be shortage of foodstuff in northern areas if the government makes any delay to send helicopters for the same."

The Tibetan border check point is opened in the July/August every year. RSS