Explainer: What is the script controversy? Understand the whole story of the debate on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Dispute Explainer In Hindi: Diplomatic tension has deepened between India and Nepal regarding the upcoming session of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026. Nepal’s Balendra Shah government has registered its objection to the use of Lipulekh Pass, saying that this area should not be used for travel between India and China.

When did this controversy start?

The controversy began when India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced on 30 April that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 would be rescheduled. Under this scheme, a total of ten batches of 50 pilgrims each are going to Tibet via Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand between June and August.

In response, Nepal’s Foreign Ministry issued an official statement on Sunday calling Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani as integral parts of Nepal on the basis of the Sugauli Treaty of 1816. Nepal has conveyed its concerns to both India and China through diplomatic channels and has demanded that India refrain from activities like road construction, trade and pilgrimage in the region.

What did the government say on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson reacting to Nepal’s claims citing historical facts and tradition Randhir Jaiswal Said that India’s stand has always been clear on this issue. He said that Lipulekh Pass has been a traditional and old route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 and the Yatra has been taking place on it for decades.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra India-Nepal dispute, infographic

India rejected Nepal’s territorial claims, saying that these claims were neither true nor based on historical facts or evidence. Jaiswal stressed that it is not appropriate to raise such unilateral and artificial claims, however, India is always ready to resolve the border dispute through dialogue and diplomacy.

What is the old agreement?

Lipulekh Pass is a strategically located tri-junction of India’s Uttarakhand, Nepal and China, which has been under the control of the Indian Army since 1962. India and China had agreed to open this route for trade and travel first in 2015 and then in 2025.

Also read:- Nepal’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra obstructed, Balen government sent letter to India-China; Controversy broke out again over script

However, Nepal was not a part of these agreements and has consistently expressed its displeasure. former nepali pm KP Sharma Oli had also raised this issue with the Chinese leadership but no concrete solution could be found. At present, India is busy preparing for the yatra as per its plan while Nepal is making it an issue of its sovereignty.