Yash Khajuria
Kargil, Mar 19: More than 250 residents of Ladakh, including Zawwars and students, have been airlifted from Armenia in two chartered flights, arriving in New Delhi on consecutive days—Tuesday and Wednesday.
Officials said that around 132 Ladakh residents were evacuated on Tuesday, while a similar number of pilgrims and students were brought back on Wednesday as part of the ongoing evacuation operation.
However, the evacuation of pilgrims from the Iran conflict zone via Armenia has come under scrutiny after several returnees alleged that their checked-in baggage did not arrive with them in New Delhi, raising serious concerns over coordination and communication among the agencies involved.
While authorities confirmed the safe arrival of the first batch of Zawwars, the operation has been marred by confusion over baggage handling and a sudden revision in luggage limits, leaving passengers and their families in a state of uncertainty.
Passengers who landed in New Delhi late Tuesday night said they were informed only upon arrival that their belongings had not been transported on the same flight. Many claimed that the issue affected a large majority of those on board.
Mohd Yunus, one of the returning pilgrims, said that each passenger had paid ₹70,100 for the chartered evacuation flight, which included a 30 kg check-in allowance and 7 kg of hand baggage. “We followed all instructions and packed only essential items. Our luggage was properly checked in at the Armenia airport. However, upon reaching Delhi, we were told that it had not been brought along. There is no clear information about its whereabouts or when it will arrive,” he said.
Another passenger, Ms Hajira (name changed), described the situation as distressing and unclear, alleging that nearly 95 per cent of passengers did not receive their baggage. “We complied with all guidelines issued by the authorities. This is not a regular airline, and we have not been informed whom to contact for details. No reasons have been provided for why the luggage was not transported,” she said.
The lack of official communication has further added to the frustration of passengers, many of whom are still awaiting clarity on the status of their belongings, including essential and valuable items.
Meanwhile, reports from Armenia suggest that the situation remains tense for those yet to be evacuated. Several stranded pilgrims have claimed that baggage allowances have been abruptly revised, with authorities now asking them to reduce their luggage from the earlier permitted 30 kg to between 15 and 20 kg.
Families in Ladakh have expressed concern over what they describe as a lack of coordination. Many pointed out that pilgrims had already planned their travel and packing in accordance with earlier instructions and had even left behind several belongings in Iran before crossing into Armenia.
A relative of one of the stranded pilgrims said, “They had already reduced their belongings to meet the earlier limit. Now they are being asked to cut it down further. There is no information about what will happen to the extra baggage or how it will be recovered later.”
Gulzar Hussain, currently in Armenia awaiting departure, termed the situation at the airport as chaotic. “At the time of booking, we were clearly told that 30 kg would be allowed. Now officials are asking us to reduce it. We are not being told what to do with the excess baggage or who will take responsibility for it,” he said.
Another stranded pilgrim, Hakima Banuh, echoed similar concerns, stating that the lack of support on the ground has made the situation more difficult. “We do not have any relatives or contacts here. We have already left many of our belongings behind in Iran. Now we are being asked to reduce our luggage further without any assurance about how we will get it back. If we have paid the full fare, why should we bear this loss?” she asked.
Amid growing concern, Ladakh Member of Parliament Mohmad Haneefa Jan said that the authorities have taken note of the issue and assured that the remaining luggage would be brought back within three to four days. He also confirmed that the remaining batch of pilgrims is expected to depart on Wednesday.
In a message shared on social media, the MP expressed relief over the safe arrival of the first group and conveyed gratitude to the agencies involved in the evacuation process.
However, passengers on the ground have offered a more cautious account, stating that no formal communication has been conveyed regarding the retrieval of their baggage. Some said they received informal updates only after individually reaching out to the MP, who indicated that efforts are being made to transport the luggage on subsequent flights.
With evacuation efforts still underway, families across Ladakh are closely monitoring developments. For many, the immediate concern extends beyond the safe return of their relatives to include the recovery of their belongings and clarity over the process.
