19 People Died in Protests Against Social Media Ban and Corruption in Nepal. Several Injured. India Advised Nepal to Exercise Caution and Urged All Citizens to Be Vigilant.
Nepal Protests: The situation in Nepal's capital Kathmandu and other cities remains tense. Protests against the government's decisions and the social media ban have now turned violent. Yesterday, 19 people lost their lives and many were injured in an attack on Parliament by youth. The Indian government has reacted to this. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs advised Nepal to exercise caution and stated that New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation.
Protests Against Social Media Ban Intensify
The Nepali government recently imposed a ban on Facebook, X, and other social media platforms. The government's argument was that these platforms were being used to spread rumors and misinformation. However, the youth considered this a move to suppress their voices and took to the streets in protest.
On Monday, thousands of youths attempted to attack the Parliament building. This violence resulted in 19 deaths and many injuries. This violence is considered one of the most severe incidents seen in Nepal in many years.
Indian Government's Reaction
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement saying that as a close friend and neighbor, India is seriously concerned about the situation there. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that New Delhi is monitoring the situation and urges all citizens to exercise caution.
The Ministry of External Affairs specifically said, "We express our condolences to the families of the victims. We wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. We hope that Nepal will soon return to normalcy and all disputes will be resolved through peaceful dialogue."
Curfew and Security Measures
A curfew has been imposed in many cities, including Nepal's capital Kathmandu. The local administration took this step to control the situation. Indian citizens present in Nepal have also been advised to exercise caution and follow local guidelines.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that New Delhi is continuously monitoring the situation and security measures for Indian citizens will be ensured if necessary.
Protesters on the Streets
Protests against the social media ban continue. After the attack on Parliament yesterday, the Nepali government lifted the social media ban, but protesters are still gathering on the streets. The youth say they are fighting for their freedom of expression.
The major challenge facing the Nepali government now is to peacefully manage the protests and ensure the safety of its citizens. Even after lifting the social media ban, the anger of the youth has not subsided.
International Reaction
The violence in Nepal has also raised concerns internationally. Several countries and human rights organizations have appealed to the Nepali government to ensure the safety of its citizens and respect democratic rights. India, as a close friend and neighbor, has advised Nepal to improve the situation and adopt a peaceful solution. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that it would be better to resolve all disputes through dialogue and consensus.
