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Lipulekh Pass Route for Mansarovar Yatra Not New, Says MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Lipulekh Pass has been a route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954, dismissing Nepalese claims of it being a new development. India rejected Nepal's territorial claims as unjustified and not based on historical facts. Nepal asserted that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal since the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. India expressed openness to resolving boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

Key Points: Lipulekh Pass Route for Mansarovar Yatra Not New: MEA

  • MEA clarifies Lipulekh Pass route used since 1954 for Mansarovar Yatra
  • Nepal claims Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, Kalapani as its territory
  • India rejects Nepal's territorial claims as unilateral and unjustified
  • India open to resolving boundary issues through dialogue
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Lipulekh Pass route in Mansarovar Yatra is not new development: MEA

MEA says Lipulekh Pass has been a route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954, rejecting Nepal's claims as unilateral and unjustified.

"Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 - Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, May 3

The Ministry of External Affairs stated on Sunday that Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 and said this is not a new development.

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, answered the media questions regarding comments made by the Foreign Ministry of Nepal on the border issue in the context of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

"Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954, and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development," he answered

Regarding the territorial claims, he said that India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence.

"Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable," he added.

The MEA also emphasised that India remains open to a constructive interaction with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship, including on resolving the agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs of Nepal released a statement which said: "The Government of Nepal is completely clear and steadfast in the fact that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River are integral parts of Nepal since the Sugauli Treaty of 1816."

The statement also mentioned that Nepal conveyed its concerns to India and China through diplomatic channels about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which is said to be organised via "Nepali territory, Lipulekh."

The ministry made this statement while answering media questions regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

"The Government of Nepal is always committed to resolving the border issue through diplomatic means, in line with the spirit and spirit of the close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, on the basis of historical treaties and agreements, facts, maps and evidence," the statement added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I respect the historical context, I think India could handle this with more diplomacy. Nepal is a neighbour and friend - we should not dismiss their concerns so bluntly. The MEA's statement seemed a bit aggressive. Good thing they offered dialogue... Let's hope both sides can sit down without creating more tension.
S
Siddharth J
Kathmandu has been trying to create a border dispute out of thin air for years. They know this is Indian territory. The Kalapani area has been under Indian administration since independence. Nepal should focus on its own internal issues instead of making baseless claims against its biggest ally. đź‘Ž
K
Kavya N
As someone who knows pilgrims who have done the Kailash Yatra, this route is a lifeline. Every year, hundreds of Indians travel through Lipulekh to reach Mount Kailash. Nepal's objection will only disrupt religious tourism and create unnecessary hardship. Our government should ensure the yatra continues uninterrupted. 🙏
D
Deepak U
This is classic Nepali politics - whenever they have internal problems, they create a border issue with India. The reality is that both countries need to sit down and resolve this through the joint boundary working group. But unilateral statements like Nepal's only poison the atmosphere. Modi government must stand firm but keep dialogue open.
R
Rohit L
MEA absolutely right. Lipulekh has been used since 1954 - that's over 70 years! Nepal cannot change history overnight. The Sugauli Treaty clearly defined the boundary. India should not compromise on this.

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