A video has surfaced from Pokhara amidst the ongoing “Gen Z” protests in Nepal, in which an Indian woman named Upasana Gill has requested help from the Government of India. He claimed that the hotel in which she stayed, protesters set it on fire. At that time she was in a spa and later when she came out, a crowd armed with sticks started running after her.
Upasana Gill said that she had come to Nepal to host a volleyball league, but is now completely stuck. “The hotel was burnt, all my belongings were inside. I was able to save my life with great difficulty. The protesters are setting fire on the streets. They are not even seeing whether there are tourists or locals. The situation is very bad. My folded hands are requested from the Indian Embassy that please save us.”
Indian Embassy statement
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has advised all Indian citizens to postpone the journey to Nepal till the situation is normal. Those who are in Nepal should be safe at their bases and do not leave the streets.
Embassy has also released emergency helpline numbers:
The Ministry of External Affairs has also asked the citizens to follow the security advice of the local administration.
Indian tourists started returning
Due to the deteriorating situation in Nepal, a large number of Indian tourists have started returning from the Sonauli border of Uttar Pradesh. 60 elderly passengers involved in a batch from Bhopal say they were going to the Pashupatinath temple, but the flight was canceled and had to return. Many tourists had to spend the night in the hotel and lodge due to the closure of Kathmandu Airport.
Political situation
The “GEN Z” movement started with social media ban in Nepal has now turned into a big political crisis. The protesters set fire to Parliament House and leaders’ homes. So far, at least 19 people have died and the situation seems to be out of control. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned due to pressure. President Ramchandra Paudel has appealed to the agitators to find solutions through peace talks.