Tensions Rise as Pilgrims and Weddings Cross India-Nepal Border

Bahraich (UP), Sep 12 (PTI) - Amid escalating tensions in Nepal, a group of pilgrims from Tamil Nadu embarked on their journey to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet, departing from the India-Nepal border at Rupaidiha in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district.

Local residents reported that a 'nikah' was solemnized as well, following approval from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) for 11 individuals from a marriage party to cross into Nepal on motorcycles.

Ganga Singh Udawat, Commandant of the SSB's 42nd Battalion, informed PTI that a group of 23 pilgrims, having set out for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Tamil Nadu's Kanchipuram, reached the Nepal border at Rupaidiha on Thursday. The group intended to continue their journey to Kailash Mansarovar via Nepalganj.

"The pilgrims were initially halted due to the worsening situation and imposed curfew in Nepal. However, they expressed their faith, stating they were destined for Lord Shiva's court and only he could safeguard their journey," Udawat shared.

The SSB Commandant revealed that the pilgrims had communicated with the Nepal administration through their tour operator, securing assurances of safe passage from the Nepalese security forces. Following verification with Nepal's Armed Police Force, the pilgrims proceeded to Nepalganj.

Meanwhile, local sources confirmed that a 'nikah' took place at the India-Nepal border in Bahraich district after delays. Salauddin, from Khairniha village in Bahraich, was to travel with his wedding procession to Balegaon village in Nepal's Banke district, but the SSB initially halted the group at the border.

After prolonged negotiation, the SSB permitted the groom and 10 accompanying 'baraatis' to continue through the Rupaidiha border, with the remainder of the procession instructed to stay behind. The groom and 'baraatis' proceeded on motorcycles to Nepal, where the 'nikah' rituals were completed.

Traditionally comprising hundreds of 'baraatis', the wedding procession saw its numbers reduced this time due to current circumstances.

Additionally, another 'nikah' scheduled in Banke district was conducted at the border.

Reshu Khan from Ayodhya was to wed Shabana from Banke. However, upon arrival at the Rupaidiha border on Thursday, the Ayodhya entourage was stopped by the SSB while the bride's party awaited in Nepal.

Ultimately, the two families conferred, leading to the bride and her close relatives crossing to the Rupaidiha border, where the 'nikah' was held in the presence of a maulvi. The ceremony's arrangements were aided by local residents.

Post-ceremony, the 'baraatis' returned to Ayodhya.

Nepal is currently under strain, with Gen Z protestors spearheading anti-government demonstrations demanding parliamentary dissolution and constitutional amendments to resonate with the populace's aspirations. As of Thursday, the death toll from the violent protests had risen to 34.

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