India Rejects Nepal’s Territorial Claims Over Mansarovar Yatra Route

India has firmly dismissed Nepal’s objections regarding the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which is set to pass through the Lipulekh Pass. The Indian government maintains that Nepal’s assertions regarding territorial claims in this region are without merit and lack historical substantiation.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nepal expressed its concerns over the pilgrimage being conducted through what it regards as its territory. According to the Nepalese government, the regions of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani, located east of the Mahakali River, are integral parts of Nepal as per the Sugauli Treaty established in 1816. The Balen Shah administration in Kathmandu has reportedly communicated its stance to both India and China through diplomatic channels, urging India to refrain from activities such as road construction, border trade, and pilgrimages in these contested areas.

In response, India reiterated that its position on the matter has been clear and consistent over the years. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that the Lipulekh Pass has historically served as a vital route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954, with pilgrims traversing this path for decades without interruption. Jaiswal characterized Nepal’s recent claims as a significant and unjustified expansion of territorial demands, branding them as untenable.

While India stands firm on its historical use of the Lipulekh Pass, it has expressed its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with Nepal, particularly concerning unresolved border issues. The intricate relationship between the two neighboring countries has been marked by periodic tensions over territorial disputes, yet both nations have engaged in diplomatic efforts to foster cooperation on various fronts.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not merely a pilgrimage; it holds immense spiritual significance for millions of devotees who seek to visit the sacred sites of Kailash and Mansarovar. The route through Lipulekh is considered one of the most accessible paths for this holy journey, further complicating the geopolitical dynamics between India and Nepal. As both nations navigate this delicate situation, the outcome could have lasting implications for their bilateral relations.

Source: scroll.in