Kathmandu [Nepal], September 9 (ANI): The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued an advisory urging all Indian nationals to defer travel to Nepal until the situation stabilizes. The embassy also released emergency contact numbers for those facing urgent situations or requiring assistance.
Sharing a post on X, the Indian Embassy wrote, “All Indian nationals in Nepal are hereby requested to note the following telephone numbers from the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, for contact in case they are facing any emergency situation or require assistance: +977-9808602881, +977-9810326134.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) further advised Indian citizens in Nepal to remain in their current residences, avoid going out onto the streets, and exercise maximum caution. “In view of the developing situation in Nepal, Indian citizens are advised to defer travel there until the situation has stabilized. 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,” the MEA said.
“They are also advised to follow local safety advisories from Nepalese authorities as well as the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. In case of any assistance required, please call the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, on the following helpline numbers: +977-9808602881 (WhatsApp call also), +977-9810326134 (WhatsApp call also),” the ministry added.
IndiGo Airlines also issued a travel advisory, confirming the suspension of all flights to and from Kathmandu following the closure of the airport due to the ongoing unrest. “In view of the prevailing situation in #Kathmandu, the airport has been closed for operations. Consequently, all flights to and from Kathmandu stand suspended as of now. If your travel is impacted, you may conveniently opt for an alternate flight or claim a refund by visiting our website,” IndiGo said in a statement.
The airline added that it is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with local authorities to resume operations at the earliest. “Customers are advised to keep checking our official channels for the latest advisories and updates. We look forward to the restoration of normal operations and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding,” IndiGo noted.
The advisory comes amid unprecedented protests led by Gen Z youths, who have been demanding accountability on corruption, government restrictions, and alleged police misconduct. Over the past two days, the demonstrations have escalated sharply, leaving at least 19 people dead and more than 500 injured in clashes near the Federal Parliament and other parts of Kathmandu.
Nepal’s Gen Z protest is a widespread youth-led movement, primarily driven by students, calling for transparency and accountability from the government. The protests erupted on September 8 in Kathmandu and other major cities—including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj—after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns.
Protesters are demanding an end to institutionalized corruption and favoritism in governance, along with the revocation of the social media ban, which they view as an attempt to suppress free speech.
A curfew was imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to control the unrest. The government banned 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube, citing concerns over misinformation and regulatory compliance. Citizens, however, condemned the move as an attack on free expression and an effort to silence dissent.
The protests were further fueled by the “Nepo Babies” trend on social media, which exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, underscoring stark economic inequality and deepening public anger over corruption and nepotism.
Adding to the unrest is Nepal’s ongoing jobs crisis, with nearly 5,000 young people leaving the country daily to seek employment abroad, intensifying frustration among the youth.
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