Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrims being evacuated

A group of pilgrims from Vijayawada who are stranded at Manasarovar in Nepal. Photo: Special Arrangement

A group of pilgrims from Vijayawada who are stranded at Manasarovar in Nepal. Photo: Special Arrangement  

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The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu continued the evacuation of Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrims who were stranded on the China-Nepal border in difficult weather conditions. Senior sources said all possible steps, including helicopter services, have been intensified to ensure smooth execution of the operation.

“The mission has operated five flights and three sorties of Nepal Army chopper and has evacuated 119 people from Simikot to Surkhet, and has arranged buses from Surkhet to Nepalganj,” said a source.

India has also activated ex-servicemen to support the operation, a highly placed source said.

The crisis began during the weekend when approximately 1,575 persons were stranded in high-altitude region of Nepal.

“The mission has also operated 35 sorties of helicopters between Hilsa and Simikot and evacuated close to 200 people from Hilsa to Simikot,” the official said.

Hotlines set up by MEA

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Rajesh Jha +977 9818832398

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Ranjith +977 9808500644 (Malayalam)

Printable version | Jul 4, 2018 11:10:37 PM | https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kailash-mansarovar-pilgrims-being-evacuated/article24332695.ece