39 from State stranded at Kathmandu airport

Thirty-nine persons from Karnataka have been stranded at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu following widespread violent protests in the Himalayan nation. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to ensure their safe return.

Fear gripped the stranded passengers as all flights were cancelled and the airport was closed. Rajani Maski, a Bengaluru resident among those stranded, told The Hindu that she had been stuck at the airport since Tuesday morning.

“I arrived at the airport to fly back to Bengaluru, but my flight was cancelled, and soon after, the airport was closed. We had no way to leave and are stranded inside,” she said. “By evening, a few managed to step out and check into a nearby hotel. I am also trying to get out of the airport with the help of the military,” she told on Tuesday. Some of the stranded residents said they could not leave the airport because taxis were unavailable and incidents of arson had been reported.

A video shot outside Tribhuvan Airport shows military personnel deployed at the gates to ensure the safety of travellers. While passengers are seen moving through the airport, a large number of scooters could be seen zipping across the streets of Kathmandu.

In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office said, “Due to massive protests by students and youth across Nepal, a tense atmosphere has prevailed throughout the country. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to ensure the safe return of 39 Kannadigas stranded at Kathmandu airport. The Chief Secretary has initiated discussions with the concerned authorities and begun taking necessary steps.”