Alipurduar, Dec 18 (Siliguri Journal) – Bhutan’s royal administration listened to residents’ requests and reopened the Bhutan gates in the Jaigaon Chinese Line area of Alipurduar district at 11 a.m. after a three-year closure. The event saw the presence of important figures like Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) Karma Jugmi from Phuentsholing, Assistant Commandant of Jaigaon Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) from the 53 Battalion, and other dedicated jawans. Local representation included the Pradhan of Jaigaon, Zilla Parishad members, and excited residents.
Reports indicate that the Chinese Line Gate is now open exclusively for pedestrians commuting to work. Additionally, a nearby SSB checkpost has been erected next to the Gate, allowing SSB personnel to closely monitor the area.
During the lockdown, the Chinese Line Bhutan Gate remained closed for an extended period, causing the shutdown of numerous shops and stores in Jaigaon. Although the main gate to enter Bhutan reopened in September of last year, the reopening of the Chinese Line Gate was delayed, contributing to a situation similar to a lockdown in the area.
Locals celebrated the gate’s reopening on this day, expressing joy and optimism that the current situation would gradually return to normal.
