India has issued a travel advisory for its citizens amid the worsening violent protests in Nepal led by Generation Z. The demonstrations, triggered by a sweeping social media ban, have left several dead and more injured in the country. Currently, Nepal stands as a sensitive area with heightened security and measures across the India-Nepal border, as a result, have also tightened.
Indian nationals in Nepal have been advised by the Ministry of External Affairs, India, to use great caution and heed all the directions and notices by local authorities. People have been told to follow curfews, stay indoors as much as possible, and stay away from places where protests are taking place. Additionally, India has urged moderation from all parties, emphasising the value of communication over conflict in addressing the issue.
The sudden prohibition of 26 social media apps, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and X, by the Nepali government sparked the uproar. Although officials defended the action on the basis of regulations, the decision was viewed as an assault on freedom of expression by Nepal's young people who are active online. Mass protests were swiftly organised around Kathmandu and other cities by Gen Z, who mostly rely on these platforms for action and communication.
Protests escalated rapidly, particularly near the Parliament complex, where clashes between demonstrators and security forces turned violent. At least 19 people have lost their lives, and many others were injured in the confrontations. The political fallout has been swift, with Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigning after accepting moral responsibility for the violence. Meanwhile, online campaigns and hashtags linking the protests to issues of nepotism and privilege have further fuelled the outrage.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on September 9 amid demands for regime change and accountability. The protests, initially motivated by the social media ban, shifted to a deeper critique of governance and political corruption.
In an emergency cabinet meeting, the Nepali government changed its mind in response to growing pressure and allowed access to all platforms that had been restricted. The public was once again free to utilise social media by the morning of September 9. Experts warn that this reversal is unlikely to completely put an end to the protests, though, since the movement has expanded to include a wider expression of youth dissatisfaction with government and digital rights in Nepal.
Tensions intensified when smoke from fires set by protesters near Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu caused visibility issues. The airport shut down on 9 September amid mounting security concerns. All flights—domestic and international—were cancelled.
Several Indian flights were notably affected: two IndiGo services from Delhi (6E1153) and Mumbai (6E1157) were diverted to Lucknow. Meanwhile, multiple Air India flights on the Delhi–Kathmandu–Delhi route were cancelled, with airlines closely monitoring the situation.
In light of the unrest, Indian security forces have stepped up vigilance along the shared border. The Sashastra Seema Bal has intensified surveillance and, in some cases, sealed border points, especially across Bihar, to prevent spillover effects of the violence. Local administrations in India’s border states are also on alert to manage any potential disruptions.
While the lifting of the social media ban has temporarily eased tensions, the protests underline a deeper generational divide and growing dissatisfaction with the political establishment in Nepal. For India, the immediate priority remains the safety of its nationals in the neighbouring country, but the situation will also be closely watched for its wider implications on regional stability.
Q1. Why has India issued a travel advisory for Nepal?
India has issued the advisory due to violent Gen Z-led protests across Nepal, sparked by a social media ban. With fatalities and airport disruptions, the situation remains tense.
Q2. What caused the Nepal Gen Z protests?
The protests began after the Nepali government banned 26 social media apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, seen as a violation of digital freedom by the youth.
Q3. How have the protests affected travel to Nepal?
Flights have been disrupted after Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport shut down on September 9 due to protest-related fires and security risks. Several Indian flights were diverted or cancelled.
Q4. What is India’s advice for nationals currently in Nepal?
The Ministry of External Affairs has urged Indians to stay indoors, follow curfew orders, avoid protest areas, and monitor advisories from local authorities and the Indian Embassy.
Q5. Has the Nepali government lifted the social media ban?
Yes, the ban was reversed in an emergency cabinet meeting on September 9. However, protests continue as the movement has expanded to demand broader political reforms.
(With inputs from various sources.)