UP Border Tightened As Nepal Gen Z Protests Turn Violent, Flights To Kathmandu Cancelled

The Uttar Pradesh government has put all seven districts bordering Nepal on high alert following violent unrest across the Himalayan nation. The move comes after days of protests in Nepal, where demonstrators-mostly young people-torched government buildings, leading to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation. The agitation was triggered by anger over corruption and the government's now-revoked ban on social media platforms.

Security Measures In UP Border Districts

Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Krishna has directed 24×7 surveillance, intensified patrolling, and deployment of extra police forces in Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Siddharthnagar, and Maharajganj. A dedicated control room has been established at the Police Headquarters in Lucknow to provide assistance to Indian nationals stranded in Nepal. Three helpline numbers have been activated for round-the-clock support: 0522-2390257, 0522-2724010, and 9454401674 (WhatsApp also available on 9454401674).

ADG (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash assured that UP Police is "fully committed to maintaining law and order in the state and providing all possible assistance to Indian citizens stranded in Nepal." Officials confirmed that while the Indo-Nepal border has not been sealed, security checks and vigil have been significantly tightened. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), responsible for guarding the open border, has increased patrolling to stop infiltration of anti-social elements. Commissioner of Devipatan division, Shashi Lal Bhushan Sushil, has instructed district magistrates to coordinate closely with police and SSB personnel.

Nepal Erupts In Violence

Nepal's turmoil intensified after protesters stormed and set fire to key government buildings in Kathmandu and other cities, including the Parliament, the President's office at Shital Niwas, and residences of senior leaders. Local media reported at least 19 deaths and over 500 injuries in clashes and police firing.

On Tuesday, Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel urged protesters to restore calm and pursue dialogue. "In a democracy, the demands raised by citizens can be addressed through dialogue and negotiation," he said in a statement published by The Himalayan Times.

The protests escalated after the government announced a ban on 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube, citing cybersecurity and revenue issues. Though the ban was later rolled back, public anger had already spread, with demonstrators demanding transparency and an end to corruption.

In towns like Nepalgunj, schools and businesses stayed shut for the second consecutive day as protests continued. Demonstrators blocked roads with burning tyres and surrounded government offices. Authorities imposed curfews in multiple cities, including Kathmandu and Dang, to curb violence.

The Nepal Army, which assumed charge of security operations from 10 pm Tuesday, appealed to the country's youth to refrain from further destruction and safeguard both public and private property.

Meanwhile, airlines including Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo suspended flights to Kathmandu after protesters tried to storm Tribhuvan International Airport, further deepening the crisis.