New Delhi: China has refused entry to around 80 Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims through Sikkim’s Nathu-la pass. The Indian government raised the issue with Chinese authorities.
“Some difficulties have been experienced in movement of Kailash Mansarovar Yatris via Nathu La. The matter is being discussed with the Chinese side," said Gopal Baglay, spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry.
According to sources, the situation in Nathu-la evolved after an incident of skirmish at Dokala area of Sikkim. The sources said Chinese PLA troops destroyed a newly repaired bunker of India around 10 days ago. This has led to a tense border situation between the two sides. A recent flag meeting also failed to resolve the situation.
The first batch of yatris reached Nathu-la on June 20.
The sources added that the stand off situation still persists and around 80 pilgrims are stuck.
The Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation is the nodal authority for conducting the annual yatra through Nathu La.
Hundreds of Indian pilgrims undertake Kailash Mansarovar yatra in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China every year negotiating the mountainous terrain.
The development comes amid tensions in bilateral ties between the two countries over a host of issues including the CPEC and India's NSG bid.
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