‘Violence in Nepal is heart-rending’: PM Modi expresses concern as KP Sharma Oli resigns

A meeting of the CCS was held soon after Modi returned to New Delhi from a tour of the flood-hit areas in the north.

“On my return from Himachal Pradesh and Punjab today, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security discussed the developments in Nepal. The violence in Nepal is heart-rending. I am anguished that many young people have lost their lives. The stability, peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us. I humbly appeal to all my brothers and sisters in Nepal to support peace,” he said in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, amid unprecedented scenes of leaders being assaulted on the streets of Kathmandu where protesters also torched government buildings, a worried Delhi said it was observing the developments in Nepal and expressed hope that restraint would be exercised and all issues addressed “through peaceful means and dialogue”.

India also issued a travel advisory asking its “citizens presently in Nepal” to “shelter in their current places of residence” and “avoid going out onto the streets”.

“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 said in a statement.

“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.

“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 a separate travel advisory issued later, the MEA said, “In view of the developing situation in Nepal, Indian citizens are advised to defer travel there until the situation has stabilised. 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. They are also advised to follow local safety advisories from Nepal authorities as well as the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.”

In case of any assistance required, the advisory said the Indian Embassy can be reached on “helpline numbers: +977-9808602881 and +977-9810326134 (WhatsApp call also)”.

Before the protests erupted Monday, Delhi had been preparing for a visit by Oli this month, possibly September 16 – this would have been his first since returning to power in July 2024. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had visited Nepal in mid-August to prepare the groundwork for the visit.

With the situation changing rapidly within weeks, sources in the establishment said the protests and anger showed Nepal’s political leaders had “lost touch with the youth”, and that large-scale unemployment and a sense of political entitlement had created “a lot of anger”.

The social media ban by the Nepal government, sources said, “reeked of arrogance” and the “ultimate self-goal” was the police firing on protesters, killing young people. “That was the last nail on the coffin and people came out on the streets and went after the politicians,” the sources said. Some felt the top Nepalese leaders should have apologised and stepped down earlier to avoid retribution by the public.

Sources said most of Nepal’s top politicians were taking shelter in Nepal Army barracks. And, at the moment, sources said, the Nepal Army appeared to be the guarantor of peace in the country – as was evident from its calls for peace being taken seriously by the protesters. Incidentally, the Indian Army, and military and security establishment, maintain robust communication channels with their counterparts in Nepal.

Those within the establishment in Delhi said India would want peace and stability in Nepal since they share an open and porous border – thousands of Indians and Nepalese work and live in both countries. They said Delhi is also engaged with the Nepal Army and the younger crop of political class who “have some legitimacy and support among the youth”.

The sources pointed out that young and nationalist leaders like Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ and Rastriya Swatantra Party president Rabi Lamichhane are considered popular among Nepal’s Gen Z. Delhi had been engaging with these leaders, the sources said.

“It seems the era of old leaders is over… the youth are disillusioned with the old guard, who are seen as corrupt and entitled,” sources said.

At the moment, the thinking in Delhi is that India should support the people’s aspirations – as it did in the past. In the mid-2000s, India supported the people when they decided to oppose the monarchy and bring in the parliamentary system.

According to sources, at a time when Beijing is looking at Nepal as a sphere of influence, Delhi would be keen to have a friendly face in power. “So, India would be engaging with the new generation of politicians and leaders among the protesters so that it is not in a disadvantageous situation,” the sources said.

From the homepage

‘There is confusion’: SC directs EC to give details of 3.66 lakh voters deleted from final Bihar electoral roll

Found dead with gunshot wound, IPS officer Puran Kumar was known for speaking up against caste bias, administrative issues

Removed after Rajasthan hospital blaze, doctor claims warnings about ‘current leakage’ were ignored