People of Almora and Pithoragarh districts in Uttarakhand staged protests on Friday against the agreement between India and >China over an additional route to Kailash Mansarovar.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Thursday, proposed an additional route for pilgrims via Nathu La in Sikkim, which was agreed to by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The traditional route passes through towns and villages in Almora and Pithoragarh districts. The locals, including businessmen, across the two districts protested against the Centre’s decision as it would affect the economy of the area, which is dependent on tourism.
According to the records of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), which is the agency that conducts the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, a total of 338 groups comprising 13,534 people have participated in the yatra from 1981 to the present year.
The yatra on the Indian side is conducted till the Lipulekh pass in Pithoragarh district.
D.K. Sharma, Divisional Manager in KMVN said, “Around 2,000 porters, people associated with transport, and hoteliers, are involved in the yatra and their earnings are dependent on it.”
“An additional route would surely mean some loss to the State. However, the real picture will only emerge next year,” Mr Sharma said.
