Mission evacuation in full swing! 150 Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims evacuated from #IndianStrandedinNepal

Simikot, July 4: As India gears up to vacate the stranded pilgrims; Indian mission in Kathmandu has been able to evacuate about 150 pilgrims from Hilsa to Simikot in Kailash Mansarovar region. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday said that the ministry has requested the Government of Nepal to provide army helicopters.

EAM Sushma Swaraj confirmed that about 525 pilgrims are stranded in Simikot, 550 in Hilsa and another 500 in Tibet side. Five flights are on the way to Simikot from Nepalgunj. 158 pilgrims were evacuated from Simikot on Tuesday through 10 commercial flights. 250 pilgrims were also brought to Simikot from Hilsa by helicopters. Our correspondent reports that around 1400 pilgrims are still stranded in Simikot, Hilsa and Tibet side. The flow of pilgrims from Tibet side to Hilsa was very low on Tuesday and only 51 pilgrims arrived at Hilsa.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in touch with MEA and other top officials regarding the well-being of Indian pilgrims stranded in Nepal. In his tweet message, he said that he asked officials to extend all possible assistance to those affected. The Indian embassy in Nepal is working on the ground and assisting the pilgrims.

In a tweet informing the whereabouts of the situation in Nepal, EAM Sushma Swaraj tweeted, "We have requested Government of Nepal for army helicopters to evacuate stranded Indian nationals. #IndiansStrandedInNepal.”

In a series of tweets, Swaraj said that the Indian Embassy in Nepal has deployed representatives in Nepalganj and Simikot to provide help to the stranded pilgrims at Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. "Indian Embassy in Nepal has deployed representatives in Nepalganj and Simikot. They are in touch with the pilgrims and ensuring that food and lodging facilities are available to all the pilgrims. /2 #IndiansStrandedInNepal," Swaraj said.

The Indian Embassy has requested tour operators to hold pilgrims towards Tibet as better civic amenities are available there. The mission representatives in Simikot are taking rounds to find out any medical emergencies. A four-member team of the Embassy has arrived at Nepalgunj on its way to Simikot and Hilsa. The team will set up camp offices to provide assistance to the stranded pilgrims.