Siliguri, 18th August: The Indian government is trying to repatriate Indian nationals trapped in Afghanistan. More than 200 people from Darjeeling and Kalimpong district are reported to be stranded in Afghanistan. The district administration is already trying to contact their families.
During a press conference at Nabanna on Wednesday, Mamata Banerjee said “We have received information that more than 200 people from Darjeeling, Terai, and Kalimpong are stranded in Afghanistan. My Chief Secretary is writing a letter to Ministry of External Affairs for arranging their safe return to India and West Bengal.”
On the other hand, Darjeeling District Magistrate S Ponnambalam said “There is information of around 200 stranded persons (of our district)in Afghanistan. We are verifying it locally and sharing the list with the Home and Hill Affairs Dept. Our govt is taking up the matter with MEA for their safe return.”
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nishith Pramanik said that if even one Indian is stranded in Afghanistan, the government will arrange for their return.