Nepal in Turmoil: Youth Protests, Political Shake-up, and Flights Grounded

Nepal is going through one of its most dramatic moments in recent history. What started as anger over a social media ban has turned into a massive youth-led uprising, shaking the country’s politics, shutting down its capital city, and even affecting international travel.

The Youth Revolt

Earlier this month, the government banned 26 popular social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube—saying they had failed to register under new rules. For Nepal’s youth, this was not just about apps. It felt like an attack on free speech. Already frustrated by corruption, nepotism, and shrinking job opportunities, young people decided to act.

“On September 8, large groups of students—some even dressed in their school uniforms—took to the streets of Kathmandu in protest.”Their chants were clear: “Shut down corruption, not social media.”

What began peacefully soon turned violent. “To disperse demonstrators near the parliament, security forces fired tear gas, rubber pellets, and eventually live ammunition. The clashes left at least 19 people dead and hundreds more wounded.”

Political Crisis

The violence sparked a wave of resignations. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stepped down, followed by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who left office under massive public pressure. Members of parliament also quit, and protesters went as far as setting fire to government offices and even the private homes of top leaders.

The government eventually lifted the social media ban, but by then, trust was broken. The streets of Kathmandu remain tense, with curfews and army patrols in place.

Skies Closed: Airlines Suspend Flights

The unrest has not only shaken politics but also disrupted travel. Because of ongoing security concerns at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, Indian carriers have halted their operations to and from the city.

IndiGo stated that all services will remain suspended until 6 pm on September 10, and the airline has also provided passengers with the option to reschedule or cancel their tickets without extra charges until September 12.

SpiceJet has cancelled its Kathmandu flights scheduled for September 10, notifying affected travellers through text messages and emails.

Meanwhile, Air India has introduced a one-time waiver on rescheduling fees for passengers holding confirmed bookings up to September 11.

The airlines said they are coordinating with authorities and will resume flights as soon as conditions improve.

In a video message shared by Prafful Garg, a tourist named Upastha Gill described the horrific ordeal she faced in Pokhara, Nepal. According to her, even travelers were not being spared by the violent mob, and she lost everything after the hotel she was staying in was set on fire.

“My name is Upastha Gill, and I am sending this video through Prafful Garg. I urgently appeal to the Indian Embassy and to anyone who can assist us—please help. I am currently stranded in Pokhara. I had come here to organize a volleyball league, but now the hotel where I was staying has been completely burned down,” she said in the emotional clip.

Gill explained that all her luggage and personal belongings were destroyed in the blaze. Recalling the terrifying incident, she added, “I was inside the spa when chaos broke out. People carrying huge sticks began chasing me. Somehow, I narrowly escaped with my life, but everything else has been lost.”

The tourist described the overall atmosphere in Pokhara as extremely dangerous. “The situation is terrible. Fires are being lit on the streets everywhere, and no one is spared—whether you are a visitor or someone here for work. The mobs are setting things ablaze without any consideration. We don’t even know how long we can stay safely in another hotel,” she continued.

Ending her message with folded hands, Gill made a heartfelt appeal: “I request the Indian Embassy to take urgent action. Please ensure this message reaches the authorities. Many of us are stuck here together, and we desperately need help.”

India Issues Travel Advisory

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has advised people to avoid travelling to Nepal until conditions return to normal. Those already in the country have been asked to stay indoors, avoid protests, and follow local safety guidelines. Helpline numbers have been shared by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu for assistance.

What’s Next for Nepal?

The Gen Z protests have shown the strength of Nepal’s young population. They are demanding not only digital freedom but also a clean, accountable government. The resignation of the Prime Minister is a major victory, but it is clear the protesters want deeper change.

For now, Nepal is at a standstill. Its skies are empty, its capital is under curfew, and its political system is shaken. But one thing is certain: the youth of Nepal have made their voices heard, and their fight has become a symbol of a new chapter in the country’s democracy.