The operation of Taplejung-based Olangchungola border checkpoint has been shut for definite time at the request of local administration of China. People’s mobility through the border checkpoint has been restricted due to possible outbreak of coronavirus infection. Bearing in mind the possible spread of coronavirus infection in neighbouring country, the authorities have banned people’s mobility in and around transit point. China has been struggling to contain the outbreak of the viral infection. Ward chairperson of Faktanglung rural municiplaiuty-7, Olangchungola, Chheten Sherpa informed that the Reu administration of Tibet, China on January 30 had requested to forbid people’s movement to the zone for some days. He also shared that the Chinese administration urged the Nepali side to ban mobility in the zone immediately following the return of Chinese workers’ team which was working in road construction in Nepal. Chairperson Sherpa further said, “The Reu administration requested us to disallow people’s movement through the checkpoint for some days in order to avert possible outbreak of infectious coronavirus. There is no people’s mobility along the area right now”. “Shutdown of transit point operation and people’s mobility for 1-2 months would not be a trouble. However, daily life of local folks would be complicated if it goes long”, Sherpa added. Locals from Yangma, Thudam, Olangchungola and Tokpegala rely on local Chinese market for daily essential goods especially during the rainy season. —
