At least 290 pilgrims from Karnataka who were on their way to Kailash Mansarovar are stranded in Simikot, Nepal after heavy rains lashed the region and resulted in landslides. The Kailash Mansarovar yatra route is considered as a difficult trek and can be challenging for pilgrims. Meanwhile, the situation remains tense for Amarnath pilgrims in South Kashmir as Yatra has been suspended many times due to bad weather conditions. The situation is being keenly monitored and the representatives in Nepalganj and Simikot are in touch with the stranded pilgrims.
The embassy officials are trying to find alternative routes and have also provided medical services to all the elderly pilgrims. According to Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office, it is looking for possibilities of evacuation by helicopters for critical cases.
In Simikot a health check up has been done on all the elderly pilgrims. They are being provided required medical help. In Hilsa we have requested police authorities for necessary assistance. /3 #IndiansStrandedInNepal
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 3, 2018
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has directed the Resident Commissioner of Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi to take all necessary measures and make sure the pilgrims are safe. Another group of pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, who were travelling to the same Yatra via Uttarakhand are stranded in Pithoragarh.
The Indian Embassy’s emergency helpline contact number in Kathmandu is +977 985-1107006. Just like Amarnath Yatra the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is of religious and cultural importance for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.
Indian pilgrims stranded in Nepal – There are about 525 pilgrims stranded in Simikot, 550 in Hilsa and another 500 in Tibet side. /1 #IndiansStrandedInNepal
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 3, 2018
