Kathmandu: In developing news, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has tendered his resignation following massive student protests in the country.
Oli stepped down shortly after hundreds of demonstrators entered his office shouting anti-government slogans.
The country’s home minister Ramesh Lekhak has already resigned.
Protesters breached the Nepali Parliament and set the building on fire. Private residences of President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) and Sher Bahadur Deuba, as well as energy minister Deepak Khadka were also targeted.
‘Don’t kill students’
Since Monday, violent student-led anti-government protests scarred the Himalayan country after with many students shouting slogans such as “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (KP thief, leave the country), “Don’t kill students” and “Take Action Against Corrupt Leaders” in multiple parts of the capital. At least 19 people are dead and over 300 others are injured, local media reports.
The Nepali Army was deployed in the capital after the situation deteriorated. The army personnel took control of the roads surrounding the parliament complex in New Baneshwor.
The agitating youths also pelted stones at the residence of Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung in Sunakothi at Lalitpur district, eyewitnesses said.
Demonstrations were reported from Kalanki and Baneshwor in Kathmandu, as well as the Chapagaun-Thecho area of Lalitpur district. In Kalanki, demonstrators reportedly burnt tyres to block roads from the early hours of the morning, according to eyewitness accounts.
The agitating youths also pelted stones at the residence of Communication minister Prithvi Subba Gurung in Sunakothi at Lalitpur district, eyewitnesses said.
Authorities have enforced curfews across Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts.
The Kathmandu District Administration Office announced a curfew from 8:30 am until further notice in the capital city.
Bhaktapur district administration also imposed restrictions from 8:30 am until further notice in Madhyapur Thimi, Suryabinayak, Changunarayan and Bhaktapur municipalities.
Lalitpur’s curfew applies from 9 am to midnight in several areas, including Bhaisepati, Sanepa and Chyasal.
Flights cancelled on Delhi-Kathmandu route
Air India on Tuesday cancelled four flights between Delhi and Kathmandu amid massive anti-government protests in the neighbouring nation.
IndiGo and Nepal Airlines also cancelled their flights from the national capital to Kathmandu on Tuesday as the Tribhuvan International Airport in the Nepal’s capital has been temporarily closed.
A source said one of the flights of Air India returned to the national capital on Tuesday as smoke was noticed at the Kathmandu airport during final approach of the aircraft, stated PTI.
“In view of the current situation prevailing in Kathmandu, the following flights AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218 and AI211/212 operating on the Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi route have been cancelled today. We are closely monitoring the situation and will share further updates,” Air India said in a statement on Tuesday.
Security tightened along India-Nepal border
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) that guards the 1751-km-long unfenced international front with Nepal has stepped up security across all its border posts and vulnerable points in the wake of unrest in Nepal, officials said.
All the field commanders of the SSB have been asked to be on the ground and maintain an enhanced vigil, they said
“Additional forces have been deployed at 22 outposts of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) along the border, while police stations in five border areas are keeping surveillance through drone cameras,” Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said in Balrampur.
He added that intelligence agencies have been instructed to maintain strict monitoring, and all personnel deployed along the 85-km-long border in Balrampur have been directed to remain on high alert.
Police teams and SSB jawans are conducting joint patrols, while ‘Operation Kavach’ committees in the region have been asked to stay active and keep a close watch on cross-border movement.
Indians in Nepal asked to remain cautious
Further, commenting on the situation in Nepal, India said that it is deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives during protests in Nepal and hoped that the issues will be resolved through peaceful means.
“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.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with families of 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 in a statement.
It also asked Indian nationals to exercise caution in view of the prevailing situation in that 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.
(This story has been updated with the latest information on the Nepal protest)
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