China has stopped Indian pilgrims from entering its territory through Nathu-la in Sikkim for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Two batches of yatris, who had valid visas, had to return from the border after they were denied entry. While there is no official word from the Chinese side as yet, the Indian Government has said it has taken up the matter with China.
“Yes, there are some difficulties being experienced in movement of Kailash Mansarovar Yatris via Nathu la. Matter is being discussed with Chinese side,” said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Gopal Baglay.
The first batch of yatris was flagged off by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on June 11, 2017. However, the two batches of 47 and 44 pilgrims that reached Nathu-la were turned back from the entry points as the China refused to open the gates at the border. They are stationed in Gangtok while the Indian Government is in talks with China for the reasons for blocking the gates.
Indians take three routes to travel to Kailash-Manasarovar — Uttarakhand, Nepal and a new route opened in 2015, Nathu-la in Sikkim. In view of the hardships faced by pilgrims through Uttarakhand route, Nathu-la was opened. This route sees Indians crossing through to Tibet and then using Chinese buses for their journey. About 1,400 devotees will undertake the yatra this year. Most of them will use the tougher Uttarakhand route; about 350 will go via Sikkim.