Amid the ongoing protests in Nepal, the resignation of Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli has triggered a severe crisis of instability in the country.
On Tuesday, for the second consecutive day, thousands of protesters defied curfew orders and took to the streets. They vandalized and set fire to both government and private establishments, including the residences of the country’s president and prime minister.
In response, neighboring India said it is closely monitoring the situation in Nepal. Many have even speculated that the resigned Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli might attempt to flee to India. However, following his resignation, Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport authorities suspended all flights, both departures and arrivals.
Amid this, local media reported that only two flights had departed—from Kathmandu to Thailand and China. It is still unclear whether the resigned prime minister was on board either of these flights.
Meanwhile, India declared a state of high alert along the Nepal border. New Delhi expressed “deep concern” over the loss of lives in the protests and said the situation was being closely observed.
In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said, “As a close friend and neighbor, we hope that all concerned parties will exercise restraint and resolve any issues peacefully through dialogue.”
The statement further noted,“We have observed that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities in Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to remain cautious and comply with the measures and instructions issued by local authorities.”
In the midst of the unrest, India imposed high alert along the Nepal–India border at Panitanki in West Bengal. District Police Superintendent Praveen Prakash stated that police checkpoints had been set up and additional security personnel deployed at the border. Authorities remain vigilant and are closely monitoring cross-border movements and the evolving situation.
