On Tuesday, the Government of India issued a travel alert advising Indian nationals against travelling to Nepal unless the situation improves, following a wave of violent protests in the neighbouring country. To those who were already in Nepal, the advisory advised them not to venture out, stay indoors as unrests were witnessed in most of the major cities, including Kathmandu.
The recommendation follows the further political crisis in Nepal as Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned. His departure was accompanied by bloody protests where angry protestors vandalised government structures, including Parliament, and set fire to the residences of political leaders. The violence followed a government crackdown on demonstrations the previous day that claimed 19 lives and injured more than 400 people, aggravating tensions in the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India emphasised that as there are approximated 600,000 Indians living in Nepal, the safety of the people is a key focus. The ministry encouraged the citizens in Nepal who are already in Nepal to strictly follow the commands that are given by the local administration and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
The connection between the two countries has been affected as well in terms of air contact. India Air India, IndiGo and Nepal Airlines cancelled flights between New Delhi and Kathmandu on Tuesday. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu was temporarily closed as a result of security reasons.
The advisory also added that Indian nationals in Nepal who need any help may contact the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu via the emergency helpline numbers: +977-9808602881 and +977-9810326134.
India and Nepal have a very permeable border, a situation where visa-free movement has long facilitated the intimate movement of people on both sides. Nevertheless, the recent political upheavals and social turmoil have put this relationship in question since it might negatively affect the safety of travellers.
The MEA emphasised that no one should travel to Nepal until the situation normalises, which the MEA said it was closely monitoring in liaison with Nepalese officials.
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