Govt must discuss Mansarovar Yatra issue with China: BJP

New Delhi, May 20 (UNI) Expressing its serious concern over China's restrictions on Mansarovar yatra, the BJP today asked the UPA government to take at the 'highest level' the issue with Chinese authorities and ensure that the first two groups were allowed to take their yatra as per schedule.

The party said if the talks with the Chinese authorities on the issue failed, the government must explain the reasons behind it.

Talking to newspersons, BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a matter of great concern that the Chinese government had asked India to postpone the visit of first two batches of pilgrims without assigning any reason.

"We would say that the Mansarover yatra is question of faith and also linked to the country's heritage. The yatra should be held unhindered. The government should take up the matter at the highest level with China and ensure that the Yatra takes place," he said.

Mr Prasad said the Chinese restriction was also a pointer to the level of relationship the two countries had on date. The Chinese announcement on yatra had come after its incursions in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. "It must be viewed with concern," he said.

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