China has confirmed restarting of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La pass, the Ministry of External Affairs informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. In response to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs Gen (Retd.) V.K. Singh refuted China’s claims with regard to the border in the Sikkim sector, saying the boundary is yet to be finalised and that discussions are underway between the Special Representatives on the boundary question.

“This matter [Kailash Mansarovar Yatra ] was raised by the Government with the Chinese government, including during the meeting of the External Affairs Minister with the Chinese Foreign Minister in December 2017. Subsequently, the Chinese government has confirmed resumption of Yatra on this route,” said Mr. Singh.

The Hindu had reported that the trek through the Nathu La pass was cancelled by China in June last year, which left a large group of pilgrims stranded in Gangtok. However, pilgrimage through the more difficult Lipulekh route through Uttarakhand remained open.