India on Tuesday advised its citizens in Nepal to exercise caution after violent Gen Z-led protests left at least 20 people dead and more than 300 injured, prompting authorities to impose curfews in several cities.
In an advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was “closely monitoring” the situation since Monday and expressed sorrow over the loss of young lives.
“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. We also wish a speedy recovery for those who were injured,” the statement read.
“We have also taken note that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities of Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities,” it added.
The statement also described India as a “close friend and neighbour” and called on all parties in Nepal to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through dialogue.
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The unrest erupted after the KP Sharma Oli-led government banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube and X, citing the need to regulate them. The move sparked mass demonstrations, particularly among Gen Z, which escalated into violent clashes with police.
Security forces opened fire in parts of Kathmandu and other cities, forcing the government to deploy the Nepal Army to secure roads around the parliament complex in New Baneshwor.
The crisis marked Nepal’s deadliest youth uprising in years. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday, taking moral responsibility for the bloodshed.
Oli initially defended the ban, saying his government would “always oppose anomalies and arrogance, and would never accept any act that undermines the nation.”
However, amid mounting pressure from demonstrators, the government late on Monday withdrew the decision. Nepal’s Ministry of Information instructed agencies to restore access to the blocked sites.
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