With violence gripping Nepal and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation sparking further protests, India has urged its citizens to avoid non-essential travel and remain indoors for safety.
New Delhi, September 10: As political turmoil deepens in Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday issued a fresh travel advisory for Indian nationals. The ministry has strongly urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nepal until stability returns, while those already in the country have been advised to stay indoors and follow safety guidelines.
In its advisory, the MEA emphasized that Indian citizens must “shelter in their current places of residence, avoid going out onto the streets, and exercise all due caution.” Emergency contact numbers of the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu were also released: +977-980 860 2881 and +977-981 032 6134, both of which are available on WhatsApp for assistance.
PM Modi Appeals for Calm
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the escalating violence in Nepal after chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. The meeting took place soon after his aerial survey of flood-hit areas in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Calling the developments in Nepal “heart-rending,” PM Modi said he was pained by the loss of young lives in the protests. “The stability, peace, and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us. I humbly appeal to all my brothers and sisters in Nepal to support peace,” Modi said in a heartfelt post on X.
Violence on the Streets of Kathmandu
The unrest in Nepal stems from mass anti-government demonstrations that intensified following Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation. Over the past two days, Gen Z–led protests have surged in Kathmandu and other major cities, turning increasingly violent.
According to local reports, at least 19 people have been killed and more than 500 injured in fierce clashes around the Federal Parliament and adjoining areas. Several government buildings, including the Parliament itself, were set ablaze by demonstrators.
The intensity of the protests reflects growing frustration among Nepal’s youth, who accuse the government of failing to deliver on promises of reform and economic stability.
India’s Concern and Regional Stability
For India, the unrest in Nepal is not only a matter of concern for its citizens’ safety but also for regional stability. As one of India’s closest neighbors with deep cultural, historical, and strategic ties, Nepal’s peace and prosperity are seen as vital for South Asia’s overall security balance.
The MEA assured that it is closely monitoring the situation in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal and remains in constant touch with Nepalese authorities.