New Delhi: The Chinese foreign ministry has accused of India being responsible for the border stand-off in Sikkim and asserted that it would not allow pilgrims from India to visit KailashMansarovar, in Tibet, if the situation was notresolved.
Beijing said the stand-off was caused because, "Indian border personnel trespassed the Chinese border to obstruct construction so we have taken necessary actions".

But Indian sources maintain it was soldiers from the People's Liberation Army who intruded into Indian territory, destroyed two bunkers near the Lalten post and abruptly stopped the batch of pilgrims headed for KailashMansarovar in Tibet.

The face-off in the Doka La area at the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction has shown no signs of abating with the two sides having reinforced their positions with additional troops. The statement about the yatra follows China blocking the further movement of pilgrims through Nathu La.

Initial reports had suggested this had been done due to heavy rains on the other side. But the Chinese foreign ministry said it had taken the action on account of "security conditions" which included the border standoff in Sikkim. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said, "Out ofsecurity considerations we have put off pilgrimages by Indian pilgrims through the Chinese pass."

The fate of 300 pilgrims waiting to enter Tibet through Nathu La hangs uncertain. The seriousness of the situation can be understood from the fact that top Indian Army officers, including the general officer commanding of the 17 Division, are camping in the region after the jostling and scuffle between the rival troops.