As many as 118 Nepalis rescued from Afghanistan arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday in a chartered aircraft via Kuwait, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Nepal government had initiated the repatriation drive after the Taliban took over control of the Afghan government.
A few days ago, the American Army had airlifted a group of 127 persons, including nine Indians, from Afghanistan and taken them to Kuwait. They all arrived in Kathmandu yesterday.
All of them have been housed at the Holding Centre managed by the COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre (CCMC) in Samakhushi of Kathmandu following their COVID-19 tests.
Likewise, nine Indians who were on the same flight were tested for COVID-19 and later handed over to the officials of the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
The Foreign Ministry has created a Situation Room led by the Deputy Chief of Protocol to monitor and manage the rescue process. Concerned people can contact Deputy Chief of Protocol at +9779860436481, Protocol Officer at +9779841792774, and non-gazetted first class officer at +9779849811100.
Authorities can also be reached via emails — [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected] for rescue purposes.
Nepal has called for the respect and facilitation for safe and orderly departure of all those stranded in Afghanistan through every channel, including roads, airports and border points.
“Nepal broadly supports the call from the international community to respect and facilitate the safe and orderly departure of all those who wish to leave the country through roads, airports or border crossings,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday evening.
It has also called upon those in a position to do so for the protection of human life and property and the maintenance of peace, order and stability.
Stating that Nepal has been closely following the recent developments in Afghanistan, the government has urged all parties concerned to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of the people.
“Nepal wishes to see lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan, a fellow member of SAARC, and the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Afghanistan,” read the statement.
Nepal’s government on Sunday called for the evacuation of an estimated 1,500 Nepalis working as security staff with embassies and with international aid groups in Afghanistan. The actual number of Nepalis in the war-torn country, however, is estimated to be higher.
With the withdrawal of the United States Armed forces from Afghanistan after 20 years, Taliban forces have swiftly taken over the major cities, including Kabul, the capital city.
Following the takeover of Kabul, Afghani President Ashraf Ghani fled the country the same day, leaving the capital at the mercy of the Taliban. With Taliban forces in control of the country, thousands of Afghans had flooded Kabul airport to flee the country.
