New Delhi, August 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Opposition leaders on Saturday praised the Centre’s efforts to assist Indians stranded in Nepal following the devastating natural disaster but urged the government to intensify its response, trace missing citizens and ensure their safe return.
JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said the scale of the tragedy could be significantly higher than the figures currently available, citing unconfirmed reports. He said information was still unavailable about several Indians, including tourists and pilgrims who had travelled to Mansarovar.
Pandey urged the Centre to operate in “mission mode”, deploy all available resources and establish the whereabouts and safety of missing Indians.
Congress media in-charge Rakesh Sinha described the disaster as extremely devastating and expressed solidarity with the people of Nepal. He called on the Indian government to act swiftly to locate missing Indians and extend continued assistance to the neighbouring country.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy termed the situation serious, citing 2,482 missing people, including 320 Indians, and around 584 deaths in Nepal. He also acknowledged the Centre’s relief efforts, noting that India had sent three aircraft carrying relief material.
RLM MP Upendra Kushwaha expressed grief over the loss of lives and described the disaster as deeply unfortunate.
BJP Uttar Pradesh president Pankaj Chaudhary said the tragedy was heart-wrenching and maintained that India would continue supporting Nepal as a good neighbour.
Bihar Minister Ashok Kumar Choudhary stressed the need for stronger preparedness and long-term planning to reduce the impact of natural disasters. He said Nepal had faced repeated disasters in recent years and called for international cooperation to strengthen the country’s resilience.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said the government had immediately activated a 24-hour helpline after the disaster to monitor developments, identify requirements and gather information about stranded Indian citizens.
He said the mechanism was also being used to address difficulties faced by Indians present in Nepal.
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