‘Closely monitoring’: India urges citizens in Nepal to exercise caution amid indefinite curfew after ‘GenZ protest’

Indian nationals in Nepal have been advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an advisory.

By: Express News Service

New Delhi | Updated: September 9, 2025 11:43 AM IST

Security personnel with shields stand guard during a protest by youth against the Nepal government's decision to ban social media sites, in Kathmandu. (PTI)

Amid the turmoil in Nepal following the ‘GenZ protests’, India on Tuesday said that it is observing the developments in the neighbouring country and expressed hope that restraint will be exercised and all the issues will be addressed “through peaceful means and dialogue”. It has also advised Indian nationals in Nepal “to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities”.

At least 19 protesters, including 16 in Kathmandu, were killed and over 200 injured on Monday as the police opened fire on youths demonstrating against the Nepal Government’s recent decision to ban over two dozen social media platforms.

“We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. This is the first statement on the situation from the Indian government.

The army was deployed in the capital Kathmandu as the situation deteriorated. The protesters, under the banner of “Gen Z”, also targeted the “rampant corruption” in the government and sought accountability.

“As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue,” the MEA said in the wake of the violence and the police action on the protesters.

“We have also taken note that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities of Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities,” it said, in an advisory for Indians living and working in Nepal.

The protests were held in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bhairahawa, Itahari and Chitwan. The police are learnt to have opened fire in at least two places — Kathmandu and Itahari in east Nepal. While 16 of the protesters were killed in Kathmandu, the remaining three were killed in Itahari.

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