Nepal has formally objected to India's decision to conduct the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Lipulekh pass. The Himalayan nation claims that the route passes through its territory, reigniting a long-standing border dispute between the two neighbors.
Background of the Dispute
The Lipulekh pass is a mountain pass in the Uttarakhand region, used historically for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. However, Nepal asserts that the area belongs to it based on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli. India maintains that the region is an integral part of its territory.
Nepal's Stance
Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying that the planned yatra via Lipulekh violates the existing understanding between the two countries. It urged India to refrain from any unilateral actions that could affect bilateral relations.
India's Response
India has defended its plans, stating that the yatra is a religious pilgrimage and should not be politicized. The Indian government emphasized that the route is within its territory and has been used for decades.
Impact on Bilateral Ties
The dispute has strained relations between India and Nepal, which share deep cultural and historical ties. The issue is likely to be discussed in upcoming diplomatic engagements.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, involving a journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The route via Lipulekh is one of the shortest, but the territorial dispute threatens its continuation.
