Apang pushing for 7 trading posts with China

8220;The relationship between India and China is improving. It will be a beginning of a step forward if the matter is taking up during their visit,8221; said Apang on telephone from Guwahati yesterday. 8220;This will be a historic decision and our relations with China will only get stronger if trade resumes.8221;

Apang is expected to meet Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Commerce Minister Kamal Nath in New Delhi between November 15 and 16, a few days before the Chinese delegation arrives.

Located in remote and inhospitable terrain, the trade outposts identified are Bumla, Lumla and Zemithang Tawang district, Kibithu Lohit, Gelling Upper Siang, Michuka West Siang and Taksing Upper Subansiri. Most of these places have a rural population not more than 10 to 400 people and are predominantly manned by the armed forces, said a senior state official. For instance Bumla, which is less than a kilometre from the border, has no civilian population.

With the exception of Bumla, Michuka and Zemithang, which have paved roads, communication to the other places are bad or virtually non-existent. But the state official pointed out that distances between less than one and 45 km separate the Indian and Chinese outposts.

According to state Finance Minister Khaliko Pul, there is a huge potential in cross-border commerce to offset the backwardness of the region. 8220;To start with, at least, head loot barter trade, practiced for centuries in these parts, must be allowed,8221; he said.

Historically, ethnic communities such as the Monpas, Mishings and Adis exchanged animal skin and clothes for rock salt and jewellery from Tibet, now part of China. People living across the border share similar language and customs. 8220;Opening trade would mean giving the locals a source of earning,8221; he said, informing that a Central team from the Commerce and Customs Department visited Kibuthu and Gelling in September this year.

Even as attempts are being made to reopen trade ties with Bhutan in the west and Myanmar in the eastern part of the state, opening the floodgates to China will give an entirely new momentum, says Pul.

8220;Across Kibuthu, the Chinese have built roads upto Rema, which is 47 km away. We need to build only a six km stretch to connect, which can be done in six weeks,8221; he said.