China plans new Mansarovar path in attempt to improve Indo-China ties

New Delhi: In a major political gesture aimed at improving relations between the two Asian giants, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to announce the opening of a new safe route for Indian pilgrims visiting Kailash and Mansarovar in Tibet via Sikkim during his forthcoming visit to India later this month.

Besides a package of major investments, the Chinese President may announce the opening of the route, that had been sought by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at their first meeting in Fortaleza in Brazil in July, reports from Beijing indicated.

Chinese officials say the proposal is under serious consideration.

The new route, though longer, takes pilgrims from the Nathu-La border in Sikkim to Shigatse, also known as Xigaze, Tibet’s second biggest city after Lhasa, by road.

From there, pilgrims cn comfortably travel to Mansarovar and Kailash using the well-laid highway.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police, which facilitates the stretch of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Indian territory, is upbeat over the move to open a new route.

ITBP sources said the time consumed in the pilgrims’ arduous journey by foot for two days will be cut by about half.

All announcements, including the quantum of investment China plans to make in India, are expected during the Chinese President’s visit planned in the third week.