Irregular operation of Tinkar checkpoint disrupts cross-border trade in Darchula

Darchula: The Tinkar checkpoint in Darchula, located along the Nepal–China (Tibet) border, was once a vital hub for trade, mobility and cultural exchange for the local community. For generations, residents regularly traded salt, wool, food items and other goods through this checkpoint.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, however, the Tinkar checkpoint has not been operating regularly. With its closure, local trade has come to a standstill, employment opportunities have declined, and residents of border settlements say they are increasingly feeling neglected by the state.

Yogesh Bohara, a central member of the Nepal–China Himalayan Friendship Society and a local businessman from Byas Rural Municipality-1, said trade and business have been adversely affected due to the irregular operation of the checkpoint. He noted that although the checkpoint was partially operational this year, goods could not be transported smoothly as it opened only once every 10 to 15 days. Bohara stressed that the checkpoint, which holds both religious and cultural significance, needs to be brought into regular operation.

Businessman Amit Singh Tinkari said he was able to reach Tinkari and manage his goods only after four years. He stated that although a small quantity of goods was brought in this year, the losses incurred over the past four years remained unchanged. He added that regular operation of the checkpoint would have made it easier for locals to sustain their livelihoods.

According to Ashok Singh Bohra, ward chairperson of Byas Rural Municipality-1, the Tinkari area is not only a trade route but also an important religious and cultural heritage site linked to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. He said residents of the Tinkari and Chhangru areas traditionally traveled regularly to Mansarovar for religious rituals and worship.

Kailash Mansarovar is a major center of faith for Hindus. Until 2060 BS, locals used to travel on foot to visit Kailash Mansarovar. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, residents have not been able to bring even water from Kailash Mansarovar through this checkpoint. Bohra said the ban on bringing water used for religious purposes has affected worship practices.

More than three dozen shops operated by the Byasi Sauka community of Darchula in Taklakot, China, have remained closed for over four years, according to trader Temba Lama, who was able to open his shop only this year. He said their primary business involves bringing goods from Taklakot and selling them at fairs and festivals in Nepal and India, adding that irregular border operation has severely affected their livelihoods.

The government has yet to resolve the issue of establishing an immigration office at Tinkar. Locals believe that even the opening of a customs office would make regular operation of the border crossing easier. The government led by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had decided to establish an immigration office in Tinkar during a cabinet meeting held in Kartik 2081. However, the Byasi community complains that the state has failed to pay adequate attention to the border area due to delays in opening the immigration office.

Representatives of the local community from Darchula had traveled to Kathmandu and submitted a memorandum to the previous government regarding the problems arising from the irregular operation of the Tinkar checkpoint. The memorandum called on concerned authorities to take political and diplomatic initiatives to ensure regular operation of the checkpoint and facilitate easier access to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

They expressed confidence that the government would take necessary diplomatic and policy-level decisions to resolve the problems faced by residents of the Kalapani region. In addition, the Ghoreto road connecting Byas wards 1 and 2 has been constructed and brought into operation. The Ghoreto footpath from Dumling to Chhangru, which had remained closed for about a decade and was built at a cost of Rs 55 million, was reopened this year. Ward chairperson Bohra said former Prime Minister Oli played a special role in bringing the road into operation.