New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a critical travel advisory for Indian nationals planning to embark on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private travel agencies. As reported by NDTV, the government strongly cautions citizens against leaving India until every necessary travel credential for the entire expedition has been fully secured.
The notification comes in response to multiple emergency appeals received by the ministry from Indian travelers who have found themselves stuck in Nepal due to a lack of valid entry documents required to cross the border into Chinese territory.
Missing Permits Halt Pilgrimage Progress
According to the official release from the MEA, the primary cause behind the disruptions is the absence of valid Chinese visas and official entry permits among several tour groups.
The ministry emphasized that beginning an international journey under the assumption that documents will be processed mid-route significantly increases the chances of being left stranded in intermediate locations. Furthermore, the authorities have strongly urged all prospective pilgrims to thoroughly vet their chosen private agencies and confirm that the operators are officially registered and legally authorized to conduct the tour.
Political Intervention Draws Attention to 52 Citizens
The operational loophole came to light after Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) Member of Parliament Supriya Sule publicly raised concerns regarding a specific group of travelers.
In a social media update on X, Sule disclosed that approximately 52 Indian nationals heading for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage were currently stuck in Kathmandu, Nepal, requiring immediate diplomatic intervention. The lawmaker formally requested External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, along with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the Indian Embassy in Beijing, and the MEA, to step in and coordinate efforts to ensure the safe passage of the citizens.
Status of the Border Crossing Operations
The documentation issues surface just days after the official commencement of the annual pilgrimage season. On June 20, the inaugural group of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra safely crossed the international border into China via the Nathu La Pass, marking a smooth start for authorized routes.
However, for those opting for alternative pathways organized by unverified private entities, the MEA remains firm that strict verification of all paperwork is mandatory prior to departure.
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