The Government of Nepal has sent diplomatic notes to India and China regarding the use of the Nepali territory of Lipulekh. India has designated 20 groups for the Mansarovar pilgrimage and announced that 10 of these groups will pass through the Lipulekh route. Nepal has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the border dispute through diplomatic means based on historical treaties, facts, and maps. Date: 20th Baishakh, Kathmandu.
Protesting the use of Nepali land in Lipulekh without Nepal’s permission, the government has formally notified both neighboring countries, India and China, through diplomatic notes. Nepal had previously sent such notes on this issue in 2015. Following former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, the current government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has reiterated its stance in writing to both neighbors.
During Koirala’s tenure, Foreign Affairs expert Dinesh Bhattarai regarded this step as a positive move. Bhattarai stated, “Although there was no response to the note sent earlier, the government’s recent note reinforces its firm position, which is a positive indication.” Earlier this week, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced the opening of the Mansarovar pilgrimage.
According to a press release issued on April 30, this year there will be a total of 20 groups for the pilgrimage, with 10 groups traveling through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the other 10 groups via the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. After India and China unilaterally made decisions concerning Nepali territory, Nepal has asserted its clear position. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a Sunday press release, “Regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra proposed to be organized through Nepali land at Lipulekh, the Government of Nepal has clearly restated its position and informed both India and China through diplomatic channels.”
