India rejects Nepal Kailash temple objection on Lipulekh pass issue

Kailash TempleThe Uttarakhand crossing through the Lipulekh pass claimed by Nepal is supported by China.The Indian government subsequently rejected Nepal’s territorial claims, saying that India has always believed that such claims are unreasonable and have no historical facts and evidence. “Such unilateral artificial expansion of territorial claims is untenable,” it said in response to a statement from Nepal’s foreign ministry.In a statement earlier in the day, Nepal said it had raised the issue with India and China through diplomatic channels and informed India and China of its “clear position and concerns” over the planned pilgrimage through “Lipulekh, Nepal’s territory”.The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded that India’s position in this regard is consistent and clear. “The Lipulek Pass has been a long-standing route for pilgrims to the Mount Kailash Sanctuary since 1954, and pilgrimages through this route have continued for decades,” it said, adding that this was not a new development.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal stated: “The Government of Nepal fully understands and firmly recognizes that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani located east of the Mahakali River are an integral part of Nepal according to the Treaty of Sugauli of 1816.” India has also responded to such remarks in the past, asking Nepal not to make any unreasonable cartographic claims and respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.As the Balendra Shah-led government steps up its foreign policy, border-related issues could be the first real test of ties. The two sides are currently discussing Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Kathmandu next week to finalize the agenda for bilateral cooperation.Lipulekh in western Nepal’s Kalapani district is one of Nepal’s two tri-junctions with India and China. For India, the Kalapani region, including Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh, remains part of the state of Uttarakhand. Nepal had also earlier objected to India and China’s decision to expand trade through the strategic Lipulekh pass.Nepal’s statement recalled that before this, Nepal had continuously urged India “not to carry out any activities in the region, such as road construction or expansion, border trade or pilgrimage tourism.” “Furthermore, it is clarified that friendly country China has also been officially informed that the Lipulekh area is the territory of Nepal,” it added.“In the spirit and sentiments of the close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal remains committed to resolving the border issues through diplomatic means on the basis of historical treaties, agreements, facts, maps and evidence,” Nepal said.In its response, India said it remained willing to engage constructively with Nepal on all issues of bilateral relations, including resolving the agreed outstanding border issues through dialogue and diplomacy.