ndia has tightened security measures along its 1,751-kilometre border with Nepal, following violent protests in the Himalayan nation that have led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The unrest, largely led by the youth, erupted in response to a social media ban and growing public anger over political corruption and economic stagnation.
Security has been ramped up across Indian states sharing borders with Nepal, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and West Bengal. Paramilitary forces, including the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), have been joined by state police in monitoring and securing sensitive points.
At the Gauriphanta border in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri district, NDTV reported that Indian authorities have suspended the entry of Nepali citizens into India, although Indian nationals are being permitted to return home. A similar policy is in effect on the Nepali side, with authorities allowing only their own citizens to re-enter the country.
Trade between the two nations has also taken a hit. Reports from Panitanki in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district showed long queues of stranded goods trucks as commercial movement was partially disrupted. Area Superintendent of Police, Praveen Parkash said, “A police post has been set up here with deployment of force. We are on alert mode and monitoring the situation.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indian nationals in Nepal to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement. The ministry expressed condolences over the deaths caused by violent clashes and urged all sides to seek peaceful resolution through dialogue. “As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue,” said the ministry in an official statement.
The advisory also warned against non-essential travel to Nepal, especially in light of curfews imposed in Kathmandu and other major cities. Emergency contact numbers have been made available for Indian citizens needing assistance:
• +977-980 860 2881 (WhatsApp enabled)
• +977-981 032 6134 (WhatsApp enabled)
The protests, which started as a reaction to a government-imposed social media ban, quickly morphed into a broader anti-establishment movement. On Tuesday, after 27 hours of continuous unrest, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down. Hours later, the Nepal Army announced it was assuming full control of national security operations.
In a public statement, the army declared, “Some groups are taking undue advantage of the difficult situation and causing severe damage to ordinary citizens and public property.”
A nationwide curfew was imposed late Tuesday, and troops were deployed to major urban centres, including the capital, Kathmandu. Streets have since remained largely deserted, with military checkpoints in place.
The movement, now dubbed the “Gen Z protest,” is driven by a frustrated generation confronting unemployment, poor governance, and censorship. The spark came when the Nepali government introduced legislation requiring global social media companies to establish offices within the country. Protestors argue the law was designed to suppress dissent and limit freedom of speech. Though the social media ban was eventually revoked, public anger had already reached a boiling point.
Tensions erupted on Monday when tens of thousands of protesters surrounded the Parliament building in Kathmandu. When clashes escalated, police allegedly opened fire on the crowd, killing at least 19 civilians and injuring over 300. Three policemen were also reported dead. Human rights organisations have condemned the violence and warned that continued suppression of civil liberties could deepen the crisis.
