New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs urged Indian citizens in Nepal to remain vigilant and follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the local authorities.
The ministry also expressed condolences for the lives lost during the protests in Nepal.
"We have been closely observing the situation in Nepal since yesterday and are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of numerous young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased. We also wish a swift recovery to those who sustained injuries," the MEA stated in a release.
"As a close friend and neighbor, we hope that all parties involved will practice restraint and resolve any issues through peaceful dialogue. We have noted that a curfew has been enforced in Kathmandu and several other cities in Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to remain cautious and follow the directives issued by the Nepali authorities," the statement continued.
At least 19 individuals have lost their lives, and over 200 have been injured during the 'Gen Z' protests that erupted across Kathmandu and other regions of Nepal, sparked by a ban on social media. The government lifted the ban late last night.
However, protests resumed this morning as demonstrators defied the curfew.
Today, Ram Nath Adhikari, Nepal's Agriculture Minister, resigned from his position, denouncing the crackdown by Prime Minister KP Oli's government. Adhikari, who is part of the Shekhar Koirala faction of the Nepali Congress, cited the government's authoritarian actions during the 'Gen Z' protests on Monday as the reason for his resignation, as reported by the Kathmandu Post.
His departure comes on the heels of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak's resignation, who also stepped down, taking moral responsibility for the government's approach to the protests that occurred yesterday.
According to the Kathmandu Post, Adhikari's resignation letter expressed that "instead of acknowledging citizens' inherent right to question democracy and engage in peaceful protests, the state opted for extensive suppression, violence, and force, steering the nation towards authoritarianism instead of democracy."
In Kalanki, youths protested today by burning tyres in response to the fatalities from yesterday's events. The demonstrators obstructed the main road, calling for accountability from the authorities. Police were dispatched to manage the situation, but tensions remained elevated, as reported by The Kathmandu Post.
