NATHULA (SIKKIM): Banners announcing the reopening of the Nathula border post on July 6 for trade between India and China still are still fresh, as also the welcome arches and gates.

However, as winter sets in, snow capped peaks and a snow-bound road will test the physical fitness and mental toughness of Army officers and jawans posted here.

As trade was open till September 30, the border post has only Army personnel and a handful of tourists who had the courage to brave the chill at about 15,000 feet.

Greeting Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh, mediapersons , Sikkim Ministers, officials and traders earlier this week, the jawans and officers looked set to take on the rough weather in their stride.

Describing the reopening of the trade route as a "positive step forward" in further improving India-China relations, Brigadier S.L. Narasimhan said the Chinese side has reciprocated the warmth and cordiality during interactions.

Senior Army officials from both sides meet twice a year here — in May and September — to discuss local problems and other related issues.

Sikkim traders, under the banner of India-China Traders Association, have sought permission to stay in the Chinese side while on trade visits for at least two days owing to extreme weather conditions and the time taken to travel to and from Gangtok.

"Chinese officials are keen on giving us permission and they are even ready to extend our stay for a month but we have to take clearance from our side first," said Anil Kumar Gupta, general secretary of the association.

The traders have got an assurance from the Minister and Brigadier Narasimhan that their demand would be taken up with the higher authorities.

No mobile service

Another problem at Nathula relates to lack of communication facilities.

There is no mobile service due to security restrictions.

There is a signboard at 13,600 feet, announcing the existence of the world's highest cybercafe.

Similarly, there is also an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), operated by UTI Bank at 12,000 feet.

Since July as many as 1,253 Chinese trade visits were recorded while from Indian side there were 696 trade visits.

Demand for rice

"The demand for rice is great on the Chinese side which has a much bigger trade mart than ours and better immigration and customs facilities," said Mr. Gupta.

Rice export

He had exported rice worth Rs. 7 lakh through Nathula. Now the traders are demanding extension of trading months beyond September. The 52-km serpentine road from Gangtok to Nathula has many signboards.

They hail the resumption of trade through Nathula border post as a step that will usher in prosperity and economic development of Sikkim and the northeast.

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