CHINA, June 23, 2-15 (Ecns–this is a Chinese government announcement): Fifty people have started a 12-day journey using a new path that makes it easier for Indian pilgrims to visit sacred religious sites in the Tibet autonomous region. The pilgrims are using the Nathu La Pass, which was officially opened in Dromo county, Tibet, on Monday. Hindus regard Tibet’s Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar as holy religious sites, and pilgrims cross the border to pay homage at both between June and November.
The opening ceremony was held at the Nathu La Pass and was attended by officials from China and India along with the pilgrims. China’s Tibet borders India, with both countries enjoying close relations over thousands of years as a result of frequent exchanges. Dong Mingjun, vice-chairman of the Tibet autonomous region, said, “This event is a practical action in implementing the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, and an important measure in further deepening the traditional China-India friendship.”