Nepal unrest: Violent protests force closure of Kathmandu airport, hundreds stranded

Nepal: Kathmandu has been brought to a standstill after violent youth-led protests forced the closure of the country’s main airport. Hundreds of Indian and foreign tourists have been stranded, unable to leave Nepal, as demonstrations against corruption and the now-revoked social media ban spiralled out of control.

What started as a peaceful movement by Nepal’s Gen Z soon turned violent, leaving at least 22 people dead. Political leaders were assaulted, and the homes of several prominent figures set on fire. With major highways also blocked, visitors who had travelled for leisure now find themselves stuck in the middle of the crisis.

What has been the experience of Indian tourists?

A group of friends from Navi Mumbai, who had travelled to Kathmandu to visit the Pashupatinath Temple, described how their trip turned into an ordeal. They said they arrived only to face curfews soon after. They explained that they wanted to leave quickly, as the situation had become unsafe.

Members of the group said they had been confined to their hotel for two days. They added that they reached Kathmandu on 8 September, but protests broke out the very next day. With airports closed, they could not return to India. They noted that the Indian Embassy had advised them to stay in their hotel until further arrangements were made. They expressed fear about the tense atmosphere and said that their families back home were also extremely worried.

What steps are being taken by Indian officials?

The Indian Embassy has assured the stranded tourists that arrangements will be made for their safe return. For now, travellers have been asked to remain in their hotels while officials work on possible evacuation measures.

How are foreign nationals coping?

The unrest has disrupted the travel plans of several other visitors as well. A German tourist in Kathmandu recounted seeing smoke rising from hotels that had been set on fire. They observed that people were dying and described the situation as very sad, expressing a hope that calm would return soon.

Another German visitor, part of a group of 14 people, said they had reached Nepal on Monday. The group described the situation as unfortunate, though they felt safe at present. They added that they hoped to be able to leave the country the next day.

IANS