China abruptly shut down the Korala border point on Thursday, citing security concerns. The border point was opened for a trade fair on June 15 for 25 days.

However, business activities were closed on the 16th day. Chinese officials said the border was sealed on their side from 5pm on Thursday. As per an agreement between Nepal and China, the border point was opened on June 15 for 25 days—the Chinese authorities used to open the point only for a week in the past. Chief District Officer Ganesh Bahadur Adhikari said the trade fair ended very soon due to transportation problems. “The roads are not properly maintained on the Nepali side,” he said.

Secretary of Lomangthang VDC Gyanendra Bista said he had no information on the closing of the border. “All of a sudden, the Chinese authorities decided to close it,” said Bista.

Chinese security personnel had been stepping up security on the border for the past few days, frisking people who were crossing the border to purchase various goods. As a result, few traders were able to purchase goods. Officiating Custom’s Officer Shukradarshan Dhungana said the business activities were “far from satisfactory”.

Meanwhile, local traders said the Chinese authorities closed the border after people of Indian origin started entering China with leaflets of Dalai Lama—the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people.

One of the traders said Chinese security personnel chased away people who tried to enter the Chinese territory in a monk dress. “Chinese authorities tightened security along the border citing insecurity,” he said. People in the border area respect and admire Dalai Lama both as a leader and spiritual teacher.