Rescue Nepalis Promptly

Nepal is still reeling from the tragic death of 10 Nepali students in attack in Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas. Though the news shocked us to our bone, it was not the first time we have lost our countrymen to militants' attack in countries riven by war. In 2004, 12 innocent Nepali workers employed by a Jordanian firm were taken hostage and brutally slaughtered in Iraq by a militant group. In 2016, around 14 Nepali security guards were gunned downed by Taliban militants in Afghanistan. Several of the rest alive were repatriated over security concerns. In 2020, in the aftermath of COVID-19 outbreak, hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens had to be repatriated from scores of countries. More recently, in 2021, scores of Nepali men in Afghanistan had to be repatriated in the wake of Taliban takeover of that country. The reason? Security concerns

Many more Nepalis have similarly lost their lives in Kashmir and other war-torn places. Why is that we Nepalis have to dream of going to foreign countries for green pasture, for higher studies, for medical treatment, and for better life? Why can't we have all these in our own country? We have seen many revolutions that promised us all these things – only to leave us disappointed in the end. Back to the topic, the shell-shocked families back home of those killed are in fathomless pain, struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Ameliorating this situation largely falls on the government's shoulder. The government, in coordination with Israel, is currently working to bring home the mortal remains. This must happen without delay, for each hour of delay only adds to the pain.

 Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud  on Tuesday talked to his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, and sought assistance in bringing back the dead bodies, in ascertaining the whereabouts of those gone missing, and in treatment of the four injured. Besides, in an effort to repatriate them, it is said to be collecting the details of Nepali citizens there who want to return home. If rescuing those means bringing them via chartered plane, it should embrace the option. Clearly, there is a need to mobilise its diplomatic channels to ensure the safety of those who want to stay there.  Lawmakers have rightly pointed out the need for the government to stand ready to handle and manage the crisis, citing that similar crisis can reach boiling point without warning in the region. One lawmaker's allegation that there's a poor communication between Nepali embassies in the region alongside poor management deserves constructive discussion to foster bold steps. 

Enhancing the capacity of our diplomats on missions abroad who can skilfully and gracefully stem the situation from escalating is something worth pondering and executing. What's more, issuing travel advisory while sending citizens to risky or unsafe countries can go a long way to keep them safe from violence.  Middle East has long been a volatile place where long-standing hostilities can erupt in devastating violence any time. Going by the various media reports, the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict is likely to spill over neighbouring Lebanon, where hundreds of Nepalis are working. The government has a role to play in ensuring their safety, too. Timely repatriation can save many lives in the event flaring violence.