Hundreds of tourists from India and several other nations have been stranded in Nepal after Kathmandu Airport was shut down due to safety concerns following violent Gen Z protests against alleged corruption and the Oli government’s controversial social media ban.
What began as a peaceful youth-led movement quickly spiralled into violent clashes with security forces, leaving several dead. The unrest also saw several top politicians assaulted by mobs, while the homes of leaders were set on fire.
The airport closure and the blockade of major highways by demonstrators have trapped tourists, many of whom had travelled to Nepal for vacations, unaware of the unfolding crisis.
Among them is a group of friends from Navi Mumbai who had travelled to visit the Pashupatinath Temple but now find themselves unable to return home. “We were travelling in Nepal with friends, but a curfew was imposed after we arrived. The situation is very problematic now. The sooner we find a way to leave safely, the better it will be for us,” one of them told IANS.
Another member of the group said they have been confined to their hotel for the past two days. “We arrived in Kathmandu on September 8, but the next day protests erupted. Now we are not able to return because the airport is closed. We contacted the Indian Embassy for guidance, and they advised us to remain in our hotel until arrangements are made. The situation here is very tense, and we are extremely scared,” he said.
Recounting his experience, another tourist added, “I came with my friends to offer prayers at the Pashupatinath Temple. However, the violence started soon after we arrived. We are scared, and our families back home are also worried. We contacted the Embassy, and they told us to stay safe in our hotel for now.”
The Indian Embassy has assured stranded tourists that efforts are underway to arrange their safe return, but until then they have been advised to remain indoors.
The crisis has not only affected Indian nationals but has also trapped several foreign visitors. A German tourist stranded in Kathmandu told IANS, “The situation is very bad. Yesterday I saw a lot of smoke from hotels. They were burning, and people were dying here – innocent people. It’s very sad. I hope everything will return to normal soon.”
Another German traveller, part of a group of 14 people, expressed hope for an early departure. “We came here on Monday. The situation is unfortunate. We are safe, but we hope that we can leave tomorrow,” he said.
With the situation in Nepal still volatile, uncertainty looms large for tourists as they wait anxiously for a safe passage out of the country.
(IANS)