A Chinese soldier and an Indian soldier at the Nathu La border crossing. File photo

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 5

In what possibly is the first sign of attempts to de-escalate India-China tension at Sikkim border, Beijing today said it was willing to consider alternative arrangements through other routes for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims who had planned the journey via Nathu La. “The official pilgrimage through Lipuleku Pass and non-official yatra through Lhasa and Purang are still on the rails,” Xie Liyan, spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in India, said here.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) “Indian yatra to Kailash Mansarovar is an important part of China-India people-to-people and cultural exchanges… The two sides agreed that a total of 350 yatris in seven batches would take part in yatras to Xizang through Nathu La this year,” she said. “However, days before the departure of the yatris, the Indian border troops crossed into the Chinese territory and obstructed the Chinese border troops’ normal activities in Doka La. To ensure the safe and smooth visit of Indian yatris, China had to halt their entry into Xizang through Nathu La,” she said.The spokesperson also said the Chinese side had notified the Indian side through diplomatic channels. “China consistently respects the Indian people’s religious sentiments and attaches importance to the pilgrimage,” she said.