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Nepal protests: India expresses sorrow at deaths, calls for dialogue
The reaction from New Delhi came a day after Kathmandu and other cities in Nepal were rocked by the so-called “Gen Z protests” by youth organisations
India on Tuesday expressed sorrow at the death of 19 people in widespread public protests in Nepal that led to the resignation of prime minister KP Sharma Oli and called for restraint and handling of all issues through peaceful means and dialogue.
The reaction from New Delhi came a day after Kathmandu and other cities in Nepal were rocked by the so-called “Gen Z protests” by youth organisations against the government’s restrictions on social media platforms and failure to tackle corruption.
Many of the dead were killed when police opened fire on protesters and even leaders of the ruling coalition, which comprises the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), and opposition parties criticised Oli for the crackdown on the demonstrations.
India is closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since Monday and is “deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives”, the external affairs ministry said in a statement issued before Oli’s resignation in the afternoon.
“As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue,” the statement said.
Noting that authorities in Nepal have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities, the ministry advised Indian nationals in the neighbouring country to “exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with families of deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured,” the statement said.
People familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity that the Indian side is keen to ensure that New Delhi isn’t perceived as taking sides as the stakeholders in Kathmandu focus on finding a way out of the political crisis.
Oli stepped down as protests by the youth continued in Kathmandu and nearby areas in defiance of curfew imposed by authorities on Monday. The protestors also set fire to key official buildings, including the Parliament, and homes of several leaders and offices of political parties.
Seventeen people were killed in Kathmandu and two more in Itahari, and more than 400 people were injured when police used force to disperse the protesters on Monday. The protests erupted after the Nepal government shut down popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X and Reddit after they failed to register with the communication and information technology ministry within the deadline of August 28.
The protests on Monday were also aimed at the government’s perceived failure to tackle corruption, reports from Kathmandu said.
The protests have come against the backdrop of a downturn in India-Nepal relations over the policies of the Oli government, which was seen as close to China. Kathmandu recently protested against New Delhi’s decision to resume border trade with Beijing through Lipulekh, a territory claimed by Nepal.
Oli was expected to visit India during September 16-17, his first trip to the country since beginning his term as PM in July 2024, which would have provided an opportunity to the two sides to hold talks to address their differences.
