Nepali Students in India Postpone Travel Plans Amid Political Unrest and Protests

Amid violent protests in Nepal, Nepali students in India are postponing their travel plans due to safety concerns. The unrest reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the government and its handling of social issues.

Nepali students in India are anxious about their families' safety amid ongoing protests in Nepal. These demonstrations, initially sparked by a government ban on social media, have grown into a broader movement against alleged corruption and indifference by the political elite. The unrest has led to significant violence, including the burning of government buildings and homes of prominent leaders.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after two days of intense protests, which saw 19 people lose their lives. Although the social media ban was lifted late Monday night, the situation remains tense. Many Nepali students in India have put their plans to visit home on hold due to safety concerns.

Impact on Nepali Students in India

A master's student at Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce shared that he had cancelled his trip home near Kathmandu for the Dussehra festival. "I was looking forward to being with my family, but they have advised me to stay back in Delhi until the situation there stabilises," he said.

Manoj Chaudhary, an MBA student from Birgunj at IIT-Dhanbad, mentioned that although his hometown is calmer than Kathmandu, he has postponed his visit. "I was planning to visit Nepal soon, but now all my plans are on hold. My family is safe, but I am worried about Kathmandu, where buildings have been set on fire and students have lost their lives. That should never have happened. I only hope peace returns quickly," he expressed.

Concerns for Family Safety

Another student from Delhi University expressed concern for her grandparents and extended family in Nepal. "I am deeply worried about them. Every day we hear news of protests turning violent, and it is painful not knowing how safe they are," she shared.

A first-year student at DU revealed that reports of deaths and destruction had deeply affected him. "I never thought students would be killed for raising their voice. It feels like the country is being torn apart. I used to ask friends here to visit Nepal for its beauty, but now I feel sad about what is happening," he said, adding that he frequently calls his family to check on their safety.

Hope Amidst Turmoil

A PhD scholar at the South Asian University, who previously studied at Jawaharlal Nehru University, expressed her distress over the situation despite her family's relative safety in a rural area. "When your country suffers, you feel helpless sitting far away. The violence was tragic, but I hope the protests open the way for something positive," she stated.

Another DU student mentioned indefinitely postponing his trip home. "I was supposed to see my parents later this month, but I can't take that risk now. All I do is wait for messages from family and friends, hoping they are safe," he explained.

The Indian government has advised its citizens to delay travel to Nepal until conditions improve. This advice reflects the ongoing uncertainty and potential risks associated with travelling during such turbulent times.

With inputs from PTI