23 Odisha pilgrims from Jajpur narrate ordeal after returning safely from violent Nepal unrest

A group of 23 Odia pilgrims stranded in Nepal due to ongoing violent protests returned safely to Jajpur on Sunday evening. The pilgrims, belonging to ten families from the Malanandapur area of Jajpur Sadar block, had travelled to Kathmandu to visit the Pashupatinath temple but were caught in the midst of escalating unrest.

Sources reported that the group arrived at Jajpur Road railway station by the Howrah–Bhubaneswar Jan Shatabdi Express after entering India through road routes with the help of their travel agency. Relatives gathered at the station to receive them as the families expressed relief on stepping back onto their home soil.

Stranded In Kathmandu For Two Days

The pilgrims had been confined to a hotel in Kathmandu for nearly two days after protests over the Nepal government’s decision to ban 26 social media platforms turned violent. Their situation worsened when the driver of their hired travel vehicle abandoned them in fear, leaving them unable to move to safer areas.

"We reached Kathmandu on the 6th of this month and visited the Pashupatinath Temple. Right afterwards, from the 7th, the situation turned tense. We saw with our own eyes how buses and buildings were burned. Indeed, we were afraid and only thought of how we could return home,” said returnee Rajshree Mishra.

Sources added that attempts by family members and the Jajpur district administration to establish contact and facilitate their return, the group remained stuck in Kathmandu until they reconnected with the travel agency. Through the agency, contact was made with the vehicle owner, who sent the driver back to pick them up.

ALSO READ: PM Karki says those involved in violence during 'Gen Z' protest must be punished

Journey Back To India

The return journey involved navigating hilly and forested terrain to reach the Indian border before continuing onward. Once back in India, the group boarded the Jan Shatabdi Express to Jajpur Road, where they finally reached home on Monday night.

"The mini-bus we had taken to Kathmandu was beside our hotel, and on the 11th, the driver took us along a hilly route and safely brought us to the border,” said Pramod Mishra, another local who returned from Nepal.

ALSO READ: Nepali youth collapses, dies of 'heart attack' during OSAP recruitment practice in Odisha

Relief After Tense Ordeal

The families said they were grateful to local media for highlighting their plight and to their travel organisers for arranging their return. Several of them added that the two days spent trapped in Kathmandu without clarity on their next steps were the most difficult part of the journey.

The group had also visited other tourist spots in Nepal apart from the Pashupatinath temple before the unrest spread. They said they now felt reassured to be back in Odisha after their ordeal.