New Delhi: The Government of India on Tuesday, September 9, issued an advisory for Indian nationals residing in Nepal, following violent protests led by the youth, particularly Gen Z, which have reportedly left at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured so far.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged Indian citizens to exercise caution and strictly follow all guidelines and restrictions imposed by local authorities in Nepal.

In an official statement, the MEA said, “We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address issues through peaceful means and dialogue. We have also taken note of the curfew imposed in Kathmandu and several other cities. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by Nepali authorities.”

The unrest in Nepal erupted following the government’s decision to block access to 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X.

The directive, issued by the KP Sharma Oli-led government, required platforms to register locally, appoint compliance officers, and set up grievance redressal mechanisms within seven days. While platforms like TikTok and Viber complied, others remained inaccessible, prompting the enforcement of the ban.

Protesters have described the move as an attack on free speech and digital access, while also expressing frustration over broader issues such as unemployment and corruption.

Clashes between protestors and police have been reported in multiple cities. In response, the Nepali government deployed the army to secure sensitive areas, including the vicinity of the parliament complex in New Baneshwor, and curfews have been imposed across Kathmandu and other key cities.