Gangtok, May 07: A day after china officially showed Sikkim as part of India, state authorities welcomed the move here today saying it will go a long way in strengthening bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries. "By dropping Sikkim from the index of independent countries in its just published 'World Affairs Year Book- 2003/2004' China has formally recognised Sikkim as an integral part of the Indian union," B B Gooroong, political advisor to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said at a press conference.

The people of Sikkim hail the decision by china at a time when border trade between the two countries is scheduled to be reopened through the Nathula Pass in July, he said adding that resumption of trade through Nathula will give great impetus to trade and business activities in Sikkim besides giving a fillip to pilgrimage tourism.
The journey to Mansarovar, one of the holiest Hindu rivers in Chinese occupied Tibet which is at present undertaken by pilgrims through Uttaranchal, will be the shortest through Sikkim once Nathula is opened, he said.


While congratulating the Centre for achieving this major breakthrough in Sino-Indian ties, Gooroong said part of the credit for this also went to the Chamling government which maintained constant pressure on the Central authorities for reopening the Nathula corridor and resuming trade ties with China.


Bureau Report