Nepal Protests: Army imposes restrictions, India tightens security, restrictions on who can cross border — Key points
The Nepal Army on Wednesday imposed restrictive orders across the nation followed by a curfew to quell possible violence that saw protesters leaving key buildings in flames and the nation on edge. Kathmandu and other key cities wore a deserted look as soldiers took over the country.
Nepal Protests: Gen Z–led protests in Nepal have shaken the Himalayan nation for the past three days. In response, the Nepali Army has imposed nationwide restrictions, aiming to curb demonstrations.
Following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel is expected to meet with Gen Z protesters to work toward a peaceful resolution.
Meanwhile, Kathmandu airport remains closed, and India has tightened security along the 1,751-kilometre border it shares with Nepal.
Nepal protests: Key points
- The Nepal Army on Wednesday imposed restrictive orders across the nation, followed by a curfew to quell possible violence that saw protesters leaving key buildings in flames and the nation on edge. Kathmandu and other key cities wore a deserted look as soldiers took over the country.
- In a statement, the army said the restrictive orders are in effect throughout the country from morning to 5 pm, and then a curfew will be in place until 6 am on Thursday. It said the steps were taken to curb possible incidents of looting, arson, and other destructive activities “under the guise of agitation”.
- Security personnel have arrested 27 people from different parts of Kathmandu for looting, arson and vandalism during the Nepal protests. During operations, ₹3.37 lakh in cash, along with 31 weapons, magazines and bullets, were recovered from individuals in Chabahil, Bauddha and Gaushala areas of Kathmandu.
- India has tightened its security along its border with Nepal. “An alert has been issued on the India-Nepal border, considering the unrest in Nepal. Sashastra Seema Bal is keeping a close watch on the development,” ANI reported, quoting an official.
- Nepal and India share a 1751-kilometre-long border, covering states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim and West Bengal, all of which have been put on alert. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a review meeting via video conferencing on Tuesday to review the situation. Videos from the Panitanki border area in West Bengal showed trucks stranded in the area as trade got partially halted, while CM Mamata Banerjee appealed for peace.
- Uttar Pradesh Police on Tuesday was put on round-the-clock high alert in all districts bordering Nepal on the orders of CM Yogi Adityanath. “To assist Indian citizens stranded in Nepal, a 24x7 special control room has been established at the police headquarters in Lucknow under the law and order branch,” Additional Director General (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash said.
- Meanwhile, restrictions have been imposed on movement across the Nepal border, NDTV reported. At Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, Indian citizens returning from Nepal are allowed to enter India but are not permitted to cross over into Nepal. Similarly, Nepali citizens in the area are allowed to return to Nepal but are barred from entering India.
- Air India and IndiGo have suspended flights to and from Nepal as the Kathmandu airport remains closed. “Air India flights to and from Kathmandu on 10 September have been cancelled as the airport continues to remain closed. We are closely monitoring the situation and will share further updates,” Air India said in a statement.
- China on Wednesday opened up on the situation in Nepal, saying, “It is hoped that all sectors of Nepal can properly handle domestic issues and quickly restore social order and national stability. China has already reminded its citizens in Nepal to pay close attention to safety.”