Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to begin from June one

New Delhi, May 4 (UNI) A total of 960 pilgrims in 16 batches will go on the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra beginning from June one.

Applications for the Yatra had been invited earlier this year and the pilgrims have been selected through a computer-generated, gender-balanced random selection process, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said today.

Speaking after the draw, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the Government attaches great importance to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and it was the Government's endeavour to improve and upgrade facilities for it on a continuing basis and increase the number of yatris every year.

''In view of our request to allow a greater number of yatris to visit Kailash Mansarover, the Chinese side had agreed to increase the size of each batch from 44 to 60 yatri per batch in 2005. The number of yatris has progressively increased over the years, and this year we will have upto 960 Yatris in 16 batches,'' the spokesman added.

The government is also discussing with the Chinese side issues regarding the improvement of facilities on their side for the Yatra and a proposal had been made to the Chinese side regarding opening an alternative route to Kailash and Mansarovar to make the Yatra more convenient.

''Both sides shall explore the possibility of opening an additional route for the Yatra,'' he said.

The remaining applicants were being put on standby list.

UNI