Jaipur, Sep 10 (NationPress) Rajasthan MLA Ritu Banawat is currently caught in the turmoil of Nepal due to significant violence and unrest, notably in Kathmandu. Banawat, who traveled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with her husband, is presently stranded with her team in Purang village near the Nepal-China border.

As the situation in Nepal worsens, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani confirmed on Wednesday that MLA Ritu Banawat is among those affected. He reported to the Assembly that her journey, intended for spiritual pilgrimage, has been disrupted due to the suspension of all flights, both domestic and international, following the escalating violence.

Devnani stated that the state government is maintaining communication with the Indian Embassy to facilitate her safe evacuation. “The government is dedicated to ensuring her return. The evacuation process will commence as soon as conditions improve,” assured Speaker Devnani.

The ongoing violence has paralyzed daily life in Nepal, leading to the cancellation of flights and leaving thousands of tourists, including Indian pilgrims, stranded in Kathmandu and other regions.

Many individuals are confined to their hotels amidst reports of unrest and arson. The Rajasthan government, along with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, is closely observing the situation, urging families of the stranded to stay connected with officials for updates.

Previously, MLA Banawat had released a video message confirming that Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reached out to her, assuring her of support for a safe return. In the message, Banawat expressed optimism about returning to India from Kathmandu on Thursday, contingent on the stabilization of the situation.

Banawat participated in the yatra from September 3 to 11, along with a group of 98 pilgrims. Additionally, many other Indians find themselves stranded in Kathmandu.

Among them is Pankaj Chitara, a petrol pump owner from Barmer, who arrived with a 50-member group from Chaksu. Chitara recounted the escalating conditions in Kathmandu. “We completed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with joy. However, after reaching Kathmandu on September 8, we suddenly heard explosions. Although immigration was completed at the airport, flights were abruptly canceled. There is chaos everywhere, and we feel threatened,” he shared.

Chitara noted that while tourists are panicking, local residents seem less concerned. “Army jeeps patrol the area with directives to shoot miscreants on sight. Markets are closed, and we are confined to our hotels. Food supplies are uncertain, and phone connectivity is intermittent,” he added.

Chitara, who commenced his yatra on August 22, stated that his group had crossed the China-Tibet border before arriving in Kathmandu.

“Our mood shifted rapidly from happiness to fear. We appeal to the Indian government for our safe return,” he urged.

Meanwhile, approximately 30 passengers from Titriya village in Jaipur district are also stranded at Kathmandu airport. They had embarked on a pilgrimage covering three Dhams on August 28 through Radharani Tour Company. After visiting the Pashupatinath temple, they were halted at the airport as flight services were suspended.