MP Ladakh Engages Centre for Safe Return of Zawar Pilgrims Stranded in Iran
Ladakh Member of Parliament has expressed deep concern over the situation of Zawar pilgrims stranded in Iran and stated that continuous efforts are being made to ensure their safe and earliest return to India.The MP said he has been actively engaging with the concerned authorities and is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the evacuation of the pilgrims.
However, he noted that due to the closure of Iranian airspace, evacuation by air is currently not possible.The MP also informed that he met Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and discussed the matter in detail, particularly highlighting the concerns of pilgrims from Ladakh. According to him, the Government of India is making arrangements to safely move the stranded pilgrims to Yerevan,
Armenia, from where their return to India will be organised.Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Kargil is coordinating the entire process to ensure smooth communication and provide necessary assistance to the stranded pilgrims.The MP also addressed rumours circulating on social media claiming that the Indian Embassy in Iran is charging money from Zawar pilgrims and students.
He clarified that such information is false and urged people not to spread misinformation.He stated that officials at the Embassy of India in Iran have been working tirelessly and have responded positively to all requests made by the authorities. Despite the difficult and war-like situation, embassy officials have made sincere efforts and resolved most of the issues faced by the stranded pilgrims.
The MP further said he is in regular contact with the heads of several Zawar groups, who have informed him that the arrangements made for them are satisfactory. He added that many pilgrims initially faced financial difficulties, but after the issue was raised with the Ministry of External Affairs, accommodation and necessary assistance were arranged.Expressing gratitude, the MP thanked the Embassy of India in Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Home Affairs for their prompt support and cooperation in handling the situation.
He also appealed to the people of Ladakh to avoid spreading unverified information on social media and rely only on official and verified updates. The MP assured that he remains in close coordination with all concerned authorities to ensure the safety and early return of all the stranded pilgrims.
