The Indian government is keeping a close watch on the rapidly unfolding crisis in Nepal, where Gen Z-led protests have forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and flee the country after days of violent unrest.
The turmoil began when Oli’s government imposed a ban on major social media platforms—including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. The move, intended to curb online dissent, instead ignited nationwide anger. Young protesters, already frustrated with corruption and systemic failures, poured onto the streets. The protests turned deadly, leaving at least 22 people dead during Monday’s demonstrations.
Under mounting pressure, Oli stepped down on Tuesday night, ceding control to the Nepali Army, which has since taken charge of nationwide security.
India on Alert
According to intelligence sources, Indian security agencies are closely monitoring the situation. Officials fear that the unrest in Nepal could be exploited to spread anti-India narratives—a pattern similar to unrest previously observed in Bangladesh.
“Social media and other communication channels are under constant surveillance,” one source said, adding that intelligence units are mapping activities of student groups, civil society organisations, and political entities to ensure India’s interests are not undermined.
Authorities in New Delhi are also worried that the protests, led by tech-savvy youth, could inspire similar movements among India’s own young population, particularly at a time when digital platforms play a central role in shaping public discourse.
MEA Issues Advisory
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged Indian nationals in Nepal to exercise caution and follow local guidelines. Stranded tourists are being monitored by Indian missions to ensure their safety as curfews and restrictions disrupt travel in key cities.
Army Steps In
By 10 pm Tuesday, the Nepali Army formally assumed command of law and order. Troops were deployed across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and other cities to enforce restrictions and quell the violence that continued even after Oli’s resignation.
In a statement, the Army expressed deep concern about the “actions of certain groups” who, it said, were taking undue advantage of the difficult situation to inflict “severe damage on ordinary citizens and public property.”
Despite lifting the temporary social media ban late Tuesday, discontent remains strong among the youth, who accuse political elites of corruption, nepotism, and detachment from ground realities. For Nepal’s Gen Z, this movement is not just about digital freedom but a broader demand for accountability and justice.
A Regional Ripple Effect?
With Nepal’s political crisis deepening, India faces the dual challenge of safeguarding its nationals abroad and preventing the spread of instability across its own borders. As the situation evolves, both governments—and their people—are bracing for what could become one of the most defining youth-led uprisings in South Asia in recent years.
