154 Telugus cleared for boarding at Kathmandu airport, 12 safely cross into India

The Andhra Pradesh government’s mission to evacuate stranded Telugus from neighbouring unrest-hit Nepal, led by Minister Nara Lokesh, made notable progress with key developments reported on Thursday afternoon.

Officials confirmed that 154 passengers, including ten who had joined from Pokhara city in Nepal, were cleared for boarding at Kathmandu airport. At the same time, a group of twelve people from Simikot crossed into India safely through Nepalganj after being flown in by a chartered plane. Vehicles arranged for them had already crossed the border, ensuring their safe entry into India.

In Kathmandu, passengers reached the airport without incident, and boarding passes were issued for 154 travellers. The Indigo commercial aircraft arranged by the Andhra Pradesh government has also arrived in Kathmandu from Delhi to facilitate their onward journey to India.

From Pokhara, a charter flight carrying ten Telugus successfully landed in Kathmandu. Those passengers have joined the larger group at the airport to board the Indigo flight back to India.

The state government has also arranged for ground evacuation, with 22 stranded Telugus already crossing into India by bus via Bihar.

Nepalese security forces intensified patrols and imposed strict measures to restore order after days of violent demonstrations that forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. The Nepal Army, which took charge of security on Tuesday night following incidents of arson and vandalism, has enforced nationwide restrictive orders and a night curfew until 6 am Thursday.

- Ends