Sagarmatha Ascenders' Association Urges Government Action on Himalayan Security Concerns

Kathmandu. The Sagarmatha Ascenders' Association has urged the government to take effective steps for security, stating that insecurity is increasing in Nepal's Himalayan region and it is negatively affecting foreign tourists.

A statement issued by the association today said, "We, the climbers, are saddened by the insecurity seen in the Himalayan region since the announcement of celebrating 2085 BS as Nepal Visit Year. We request the Government of Nepal to make public their stance on the problems faced by us."

The association has drawn serious attention to the incident that befell climber Dawa Sherpa, 57, a permanent resident of Khijidemba Rural Municipality-6, Okhaldhunga district, who was working above Sagarmatha Base Camp.

The association said, "According to the family sources of climber Sherpa, there are complaints that the concerned trekking company neglected the rescue operation, gave irresponsible statements instead of searching, and other grievances. We deem it necessary to form a high-level investigation committee on the issue of pressure to work as a 'cook' at the second base camp and how the search was conducted for him when he was missing for 6 days."

The association stated that it will always be vigilant about the security of climbers working in the Himalayan region and has expressed serious concern about the impact of such accidents on human life.

Furthermore, the association has expressed solidarity with Sherpa's family and has demanded the government to enact necessary laws to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.