India on Tuesday issued an advisory urging its citizens in Nepal to exercise caution amid violent Gen Z-led protests that have left at least 19 people dead and over 200 injured across Kathmandu and other regions.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed grief over the casualties and called for restraint and dialogue to resolve the crisis. “We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the statement read.
Highlighting the imposition of curfews in Kathmandu and several other cities, the MEA advised Indian nationals to strictly follow local guidelines. “As a close friend and neighbour, we hope all concerned will exercise restraint and resolve issues peacefully,” it added.
The unrest was initially triggered by a controversial social media ban, which the government lifted late Monday night. However, demonstrations reignited on Tuesday, with agitators defying curfew orders. In Kalanki, youths burned tyres and blocked roads to protest the deaths, prompting police deployment to contain tensions, The Kathmandu Post reported.
The political fallout has deepened with Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari resigning in protest against the government’s crackdown, which he described as “authoritarian.” His resignation came a day after Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stepped down, accepting moral responsibility for the handling of the protests.
Adhikari’s letter, cited by Kathmandu Post, condemned the state’s response: “Instead of recognising citizens’ natural right to question democracy and stage peaceful protests, the state responded with widespread suppression, killings, and use of force, moving the country towards authoritarianism rather than democracy.”
