New Delhi | As violent protests pushed Nepal into a political crisis, India on Tuesday said it is closely monitoring the unfolding developments in the Himalayan country and hoped that all issues will be resolved through peaceful means.
Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned in the face of spiralling anti-government protests across the country, with the demonstrators attacking the private residences of several high-profile leaders, headquarters of political parties and vandalising Parliament.
The agitators even set buildings on fire at Singha Durbar that houses government ministries and offices.
The students-led protests on Monday started against a government ban on social media sites, which was reversed on Monday night. However the demonstrations on Tuesday saw greater intensity, with the protesters targeting the ruling dispensation over alleged corruption as well as its "indifference" to people's woes.
At least 19 people were killed and more than 300 injured in police action during Monday's protests.
"We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that was issued before Oli's resignation.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured," it said.
"As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue," the MEA said.
It also asked Indian nationals to exercise caution in view of the prevailing situation in the neighbouring country.
"We have also taken note that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities of Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities," the MEA said.
As the situation deteriorated in the second half of the day, India advised its citizens to defer travelling to Nepal until the condition stabilised.
"In view of the developing situation in Nepal, Indian citizens are advised to defer travel there until the situation has stabilised," the MEA said in an advisory.
"Indian citizens presently in Nepal are advised to shelter in their current places of residence, avoid going out onto the streets and exercise all due caution. They are also advised to follow local safety advisories from Nepal authorities as well as the embassy of India in Kathmandu," it said.
Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh Police on Tuesday was put on round-the-clock high alert in all districts bordering Nepal, which is in the grip of a major crisis, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli offering his resignation in the face of massive anti-government protests, officials said.
"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.
The move was as per directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he said.
Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna has instructed that enhanced patrolling, strengthened surveillance and deployment of additional police force be ensured along the border to deal with any contingency.
The ADG added that the control room can be reached through three helpline numbers: 0522-2390257, 0522-2724010, 9454401674; and on WhatsApp: 9454401674.
Yash said the social media cell of the police headquarters has also been tasked with monitoring all sensitive information and posts related to Nepal. Immediate action will be taken wherever required, he added.
The ADG reiterated that Uttar Pradesh Police is fully committed to maintaining law and order in the state and to extending all possible assistance to Indian citizens affected by the situation in Nepal.
Nepal reeled under a serious political crisis after two days of anti-government protests saw attacks on private residences of several high-profile leaders, the headquarters of political parties and even the Parliament.
On Monday, at least 19 people died in police action against the agitators and many others were injured.
The protests led by students appeared to reflect the growing public anger with the Oli dispensation over a range of issues, including a ban on social media and alleged inaction against corruption.
Though the Nepal government on Monday night revoked its ban on social media, following what has been dubbed as 'Gen Z' protests in the neighbouring country, yet the anti-government demonstrations intensified on Tuesday, leading to arson and violence in many cases.
