‘How many calls…’: Stalin questions Vijay govt over missing Tamilians in Nepal floods

Udhayanidhi Stalin, Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, questioned the Vijay-led state government on Thursday about the missing Tamilians in Nepal floods. He inquired about any action taken so far, as dozens have died and over 300 Indians are reported missing after a massive flash flood on Wednesday near Tibet. The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage organized by Super Travel Agency, saw 57 Tamil pilgrims, of which 20 are reportedly safe, while the whereabouts of the remaining 37 remain unknown.

Rajmohan, a Tamil Nadu minister, informed the Assembly that Chennai tour agency also took 49 pilgrims to the Mansarovar yatra, and efforts are underway to ascertain their whereabouts. However, many Tamil pilgrims still remain unreachable. Stalin asked the Assembly how many calls were received on the Government helpline and what action has been taken.

AIADMK MLA Edappadi K Palaniswami demanded the rescue of the 57 Tamil pilgrims, while Congress suggested sending a helicopter to Nepal to rescue the stranded pilgrims. Disaster risks at tourist spots should be warned in advance, according to Congress. One pilgrim, Vishnu Ramaswamy, whose mother and two sisters are among the missing, expressed concern about the communication breakdown with his family.

He stated that they left on August 23 and received regular calls from them, but the last call was on August 26 around 6:15 am.