Patiala/Bhairahawa: A group of 92 pilgrims from Amritsar, who had travelled to Janakpur Dham in Nepal, are currently stranded at the Bhairahawa border amid escalating violence, curfews, and widespread unrest in the Himalayan nation. The group, which set out on a spiritual journey on September 3, is now anxiously waiting for clearance to re-enter India.
Religious Journey Turns Into Uncertainty
The group had planned a multi-city religious tour across Nepal, beginning with Janakpur Dham on September 5, followed by visits to Kathmandu and Pokhara. While the pilgrimage started peacefully, the situation took a turn for the worse on September 8, when violent protests and arson broke out across major urban centers in Nepal, prompting the government to impose curfews in affected areas.
“What was meant to be a peaceful spiritual trip turned into a terrifying experience,” said Rinku Batwal, a member of the group, in a video shared on social media. He described scenes of burning buildings, youths protesting on motorbikes, and heavy police presence outside their hotel in Pokhara.
Night-Time Escape for Safety
Concerned about their safety, the group made the difficult decision to travel under the cover of night on September 9, avoiding main roads and high-tension zones. Despite the curfew, they successfully reached Bhairahawa, a key transit point on the India-Nepal border, during the early hours of September 10.
Security forces on both sides have temporarily halted movement at several crossing points as a precautionary measure, but Indian authorities are now coordinating efforts to facilitate the group’s safe return.
Border Security Tightened, Repatriation in Progress
With unrest still simmering in parts of Nepal, Indian security agencies have stepped up border surveillance. Checkpoints along the Indo-Nepal border are on high alert, and entry and exit are being strictly regulated. Temporary restrictions have been imposed in some regions to manage the potential spillover of protests into Indian territory.
Sources within the security apparatus say that lists of stranded Indian nationals in Nepal are being compiled, and efforts are underway to prioritize their safe evacuation.
“The situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that Indian citizens are brought home safely,” said an official familiar with the matter.
Families Anxiously Await Updates
Back in Punjab, relatives of the stranded pilgrims have expressed concern over the slow movement at the border and the lack of clarity around when their loved ones will be allowed to return. Some have urged the Indian government to expedite the process.
