The annual Kailash Mansarovar yatra was disrupted after China denied permission to pilgrims to cross the Nathu La pass. Reportedly, China declined permission to around 50 pilgrims to proceed to the Mount Kailash through the Nathu La pass. The country cited damage to roads owing to rains and landslides in the Tibet region. China has also said that it is in touch with India over the issue.
The yatra began earlier this month. The 47 pilgrims, who were stopped by the Chinese officials, have now returned to their home, official sources had said last week.
Some problems were being experienced in the movement of pilgrims through Nathu La, said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay. India is taking up the issue with China. The development has cast a shadow of uncertainty on the annual yatra as Chinese officials upheld that it would take some time to repair the roads. The Indians would not be able to make the pilgrimage anytime soon, he added.
As per the Chinese officials, they were concerned about the safety of the Indian pilgrims. This is why they were stopped from moving further.
Hundreds of Indians go for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China every year. A total of 350 yatris had registered for the yatra via Nathu La route this year.
