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Uttarakhand CM against new Kailash Mansarovar route
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 19
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has accused Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre of hurting the interests of the hill state by inking a pact with China to open another Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route via Nathu La. Protests have erupted in the Kumoan region against the Centre’s decision.

Stressing the yatra has been undertaken through the traditional route in Uttarakhand for ages, Rawat said: “By opening another route, the pilgrims will not only be deprived of the traditional religious route, but it would further take away the sole right of Uttarakhand to conduct the yatra.” The Chief Minister pointed out that through the Uttarakhand route the pilgrims come across Chota Kailash and Om Parwat, which are part of the pilgrimage.

He said Rahul Sanskritayan and Rishi Parmanand also went on the pilgrimage from the Uttarakhand route, revealing its religious importance.

“Had it been just a new trade route, I would have welcomed it. But opening another route for pilgrimage certainly hurts Uttarakhand’s interests,” Rawat added. Protests were held in Almora and Pithoragarh districts which are apparently to be affected by the new route.