India dismisses Nepal’s Kailash yatra objection over Lipulekh Pass | India News
Kailash Mansarovar YatraWith China’s support, Uttarakhand state crossing at Lipulekh Pass which is claimed by Nepal.The Indian government later rejected Nepal’s territorial claims, saying that India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Reacting to a statement by Nepal’s foreign ministry, it said, “Such unilateral artificial escalation of territorial claims is unacceptable.”Nepal said in its statement earlier in the day that it had raised the issue diplomatically with both India and China and informed them of their “clear position and concern” about the planned pilgrimage through “Nepalese territory of Lipulekh”.The Ministry of External Affairs responded by saying that India’s position on the matter has been consistent and clear. “The Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades,” it added, adding that it was not a new development.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal said, “The Government of Nepal is absolutely clear and firm that, in accordance with the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani – lying east of the Mahakali River – are integral parts of Nepal.” India has also responded to such statements in the past by asking Nepal to desist from making any unreasonable cartographic claims and to respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.The border-related issue could be the first real test for relations between the countries as the Balendra Shah-led government accelerates its foreign policy. The two sides are currently discussing Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Kathmandu next week to cement the bilateral cooperation agenda.Lipulekh in the Kalapani area of western Nepal is one of Nepal’s two tri-unions with India and China. For India, the Kalapani area along with Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh remains a part of Uttarakhand. Nepal had earlier objected to India and China’s decision to expand trade through the strategic Lipulekh Pass.Nepal’s statement recalled that earlier too, it had continuously requested India “not to carry out any activities like construction or expansion of roads, cross-border trade or pilgrimage tourism in that area”. “Furthermore, it has been clarified that the friendly country China has also been officially informed that the Lipulekh region is Nepalese territory,” it added.“In keeping with the spirit and sentiments of close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal is committed to resolve the border issue through diplomatic means based on historical treaties, agreements, data, maps and evidence,” Nepal said.India, in its response, said it was open to constructive engagement with Nepal on all aspects of bilateral relations, including resolving outstanding border issues agreed through negotiations and diplomacy.
