RANJHA: As many as 163 migrant workers returning home from India following the lockdown have been stranded near Jayaspur of Nepalgunj sub-metropolis-16 border for the last three days.

They are waiting desperately for rescue as they have been stranded after both Nepal and India imposed a lockdown to prevent and contain coronavirus and closed the Jamunaha border point.

Deputy Mayor at Nepalgunj sub-metropolis, Uma Thapamagar, who managed food for them on Tuesday, said she could not assist them to enter though she wanted to.

According to her, those among the stranded are 14 from Bardiya, 27 from Banke, 9 from Salyan, 31 from Dang, 7 from Surkhet, 15 from Jumla, 5 from Achham, 3 from Dolpa, 2 from Pyuthan, 13 from Rolpa and others.

Chief District Officer of Banke, Kumar Bahadur Khadka, stated that no person has been allowed to come and go via Nepal-India border.

He said they have been provided foods and shelter in the border area, and need to stay in quarantine there.

Meanwhile, 219 persons have been kept in quarantines set up by various local levels in Banke district.