Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Nepal is gripped with chaos and violence as the fierce Gen Z-led protests against the ban on social media forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. The agitation has led to the death of at least 19 people, with protestors torching the residences of ministers, including that of former PM Oli and the Parliament.
Demonstrators set the house of the wife of former premier Jhalanath Khanal ablaze, killing her. An angry mob attacked key institutions, including Parliament and the Supreme Court, pushing India's neighbour into political turmoil.
As per a viral video clip, Nepali Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was attacked by a huge crowd during the agitation. It shows Paudel (65) running through the streets of Kathmandu, and one of the demonstrators kicking him.
Following the violent unrest, IndiGo has suspended all flights to and from Kathmandu until 12 pm on September 10. Notably, Nepal's Tribhuvan Airport has been closed amid the chaos in the country. The airline, in a travel advisory, extended waivers on cancellations and rescheduling for passengers impacted by disruptions. It said in a statement, “All flights to and from Kathmandu stand cancelled until 1200 hrs on September 10. If your travel plans are impacted, you may opt for an alternate flight or claim a refund through our website."
In a recorded video statement on Tuesday, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Nepal Army Chief, urged Gen Z protestors to seek a peaceful resolution. He said, "During the protest, extensive damage has been incurred. To prevent further loss of properties and to maintain peace, security, and harmony, national unity and harmony are our common duty."
He added, “We need to normalise the present difficult situation and protect our historical and national heritage and public as well as private property, and to ensure safety to the general public and diplomatic missions.”
Flight operations between India and Nepal were suspended on Tuesday. As several flights were cancelled, including six from Delhi, hundreds of passengers were left stranded. Over 250 flights were affected as the Tribhuvan Airport, which typically manages flight services each day, was shut, disrupting services of carriers like Air India, IndiGo, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Singapore Airlines and Batik Air.
The Centre, in a press statement, said, "In view of the developing situation in Nepal, Indian citizens are advised to defer travel there until the situation has stabilised. Indian citizens presently in Nepal are advised to shelter in their current places of residence, avoid going out onto the streets and exercise all due caution. They are also advised to follow safety advisories from Nepal authorities as well as the Embassy of India in Kathmandu." It has also provided two helpline numbers, +977-9808602881 and +977-9810326134, for Indians in Nepal.
