As political turmoil deepens in Nepal, several Indian nationals have returned home through the Panitanki border in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. The return comes amid escalating violence triggered by mass youth-led demonstrations against corruption and government curbs on social media.
Kohila, a resident of Assam who crossed back into India, told ANI, “The situation is out of control there… The strike will continue for 10–15 days. We are from Assam and are returning from Nepal. It feels good to return to India. Jaan wapas aa gaya (life has come back).”
The unrest, widely known as the “Gen Z protests,” has seen students and young citizens take to the streets demanding accountability, transparency, and an end to entrenched corruption. The movement gained momentum after the Nepali government banned 26 major social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube—citing cybersecurity and tax concerns. Protesters, however, view the ban as an assault on free speech.
The demonstrations, which erupted on September 8 across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Birgunj, and other cities, forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday after days of violent clashes. His resignation followed the earlier exit of four ministers from the government.
Tensions have spiraled rapidly: at least 19 people have been killed and around 500 injured in confrontations with security forces. Curfews have been imposed in several urban centres, including the capital, Kathmandu.
Adding to public anger, a viral “Nepo Babies” trend on social media exposed the lavish lifestyles of political elites’ children, underscoring the stark contrast with the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. The revelations, coupled with a worsening jobs crisis—nearly 5,000 young Nepalis leave the country each day for employment abroad—have further fuelled the protests.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a travel advisory urging Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nepal until stability is restored.