Kathmandu, Dec. 4 -- With Nepal's northern border point not coming into full operation even after five months, traders have started dubbing it an unofficial 'blockade' by China.

Traders are frustrated at the slow pace of construction of Miteri Bridge and a trickle of containers through the Tatopani border.

Despite the Tatopani border point being fully functional, why is the Chinese side allowing only a minimal flow of goods carriers?, said Ram Hari Karki, president of the Nepal Trans-Himalayan Border Commerce Association.

"With both major trade routes not coming into operation for months, trade has become chaotic. The situation looks like an unofficial blockade by China."

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