A group of devotees left from western districts of Tamil Nadu on July 23 to Kailash Manasarovar. But all of them are stranded due to bad weather in Simikot for the past five days, from August 1. One of the devotees, Gunasekar, chairman, Vidya Vikas Group of Institutions, Namakkal, said that he along with more than 20 others from Tirupur were stranded due to inclement weather.

Only small planes like Vayudoot can be operated to Simikot. The situation is so bad that the group could be rescued only if they are airlifted to Kathmandu from where they can reach New Delhi again by air.

Because of harsh climate and continuous rain, smaller aircraft and helicopters were not able to reach the spot. So, the Centre should send army helicopters to rescue us, said one of the tourists.

He also said that there was no problem for them as far as boarding and lodging were concerned as the tour operator had arranged for food and stay in his relative’s house. But they were not in a position to move outside because of the rough weather. Apart from them, more than 150 north Indians, who also came for the yatra, were struggling without food and so the Central government should immediately take steps to rescue all the stranded pilgrims, appealed Gunasekar.

The State government has also sought the help of the Central government to immediately rescue the stranded devotees from Simikot and ensure their safe return to India.