Nepal: Kathmandu airport opens; protestors want Sushila Karki as PM

All 471 inmates escape Sindhuli District Jail in Nepal: Report

All 471 prisoners have managed to escape from the Sindhuli District Jail in Nepal on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred when inmates set fire inside the facility, leading to a breach of the main gate and allowing them to flee, reported the Republica.

According to the prison administration, a total of 471 inmates were housed in the jail at the time of the incident, comprising 428 men and 43 women. Superintendent of Police Laldhwaj Subedi confirmed that all prisoners successfully broke out of the facility, prompting an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

Five juveniles killed in Nepal prison clash

At least five juvenile inmates were killed during a clash with security personnel at a correctional facility in western Nepal amidst widespread anti-government protests that have prompted a nationwide law enforcement response. Reports indicate that over 7,000 inmates escaped from various prisons across the country amid the unrest.

The violent demonstrations, which forced Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday, led to a significant deterioration in public safety and order. In response, the Nepal Army announced nationwide restrictions beginning Wednesday, including a curfew aimed at restoring calm.

According to a report from The Rising Nepal, the deadly clash occurred at the Naubasta Correctional Home in Banke. The report stated that five juvenile inmates were killed and four others injured when police opened fire during a confrontational attempt by inmates to seize weapons from security personnel. This incident unfolded late Tuesday night as inmates sought to exploit the chaos surrounding the protests.

Authorities reported that of the 585 inmates at the Naubasta facility, 149 escaped, alongside 76 detainees from the juvenile correctional home. MyRepublica newspaper provided further details, indicating that approximately 7,000 inmates escaped from multiple prisons across the country. Facilities affected by the mass escapes include Dillibazar Jail (1,100 escapees), Chitwan (700), Nakkhu (1,200), Jhumpka in Sunsari (1,575), and Kanchanpur (450), among others.

Kerala CM Vijayan seeks Centre's help for Nepal tourists

In light of escalating civil unrest in Nepal, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has requested the immediate intervention of the Centre to facilitate the safe evacuation of tourists from the state who are currently stranded in Nepal. The situation has become increasingly volatile following the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Tuesday, which was triggered by widespread protests primarily led by students.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vijayan revealed that he had reached out to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for assistance regarding the safe return of a group of tourists from Kerala who are situated in Pokhara, a popular travel destination in Nepal.

"Wrote to @DrSJaishankar Ji seeking urgent intervention to ensure the safe evacuation of a group of tourists from Kerala stranded in Pokhara, Nepal, amid protests and arson in the area," he stated. The Chief Minister also assured that the Government of Kerala is prepared to extend full cooperation for all necessary coordination efforts.

The unrest in Nepal started with the government's controversial ban on social media, which has sparked widespread public outrage, culminating in significant protests. Demonstrators have engaged in violent acts, such as setting fire to the residences of senior political leaders, storming party offices, and vandalizing parliamentary facilities. This upheaval has left the current ruling administration in a state of uncertainty.

CM Naidu says 200 Telugu people are stranded in Nepal

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Wednesday that approximately 200 Telugu people are currently stranded Nepal. During a meeting titled “Super Six Super Hit,” Naidu emphasised the state government's commitment to supporting its residents during difficult times.

“In light of the ongoing protests in Nepal, it is our duty to respond and stand with our people,” Naidu stated, confirming that he has appointed Minister Nara Lokesh to oversee real-time developments regarding the situation, reported PTI.

The Andhra Pradesh government has established an Emergency Cell at the Andhra Bhavan in New Delhi. This initiative aims to provide immediate assistance and ensure the safety of Telugu-speaking residents caught in the turmoil.

Arja Srikanth, Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh Bhavan, reported that both Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and officials at Andhra Bhavan have been instructed to extend all possible support to those in distress.

“The Emergency Cell at AP Bhavan in New Delhi will function around the clock, coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and local representatives to ensure the welfare of Telugu citizens in Nepal,” said Srikanth.

Current information from the Indian Embassy indicates that around 30 Telugu individuals located in Bafal, Kathmandu, are being provided with essential support, including food, accommodation, and medical assistance.

Additionally, some Telugu families residing at a hotel in Kathmandu were relocated to nearby guest houses after concerns arose over potential unrest in their area, highlighting the urgency of safety measures.

All Indian citizens in Nepal are safe, says Union Minister Shekhawat

Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat addressed the ongoing situation in Nepal, affirming that all Indian citizens currently in the country are safe amidst recent unrest. In a statement released today, he expressed concern over the developments in Nepal but reassured that no reports of harm against Indian nationals have been noted.

"The government is in continuous contact with Indian tourists present in Nepal and is actively monitoring the situation," Shekhawat stated. "We have received no reports of threats to their security."

As tensions escalated in various regions of Nepal, including the imposition of curfews in multiple cities and towns, Shekhawat confirmed that the Indian government has arranged for the evacuation of passengers should the need arise. He said that Indian aircraft are already stationed in Nepal, and operations at the airports could resume in the next three to four hours.

For those who prefer overland travel, the road routes between India and Nepal remain operational but with caution, according to the minister. "We advise those contemplating travel to exercise discretion, given the current situation. As soon as it stabilizes in the next day or two, they can return to India via the normal road route," he added

Indian woman stranded in Nepal pleads for help

An Indian woman has made an urgent plea for assistance after becoming trapped in a wave of violent protests in Nepal that have resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people this week. Upasana Gill, in a video message, detailed her terrifying escape from a hotel that was set ablaze by an angry mob during the demonstrations.

Gill, who travelled to Nepal to host a volleyball tournament, recounted how she was forced to flee as a mob vandalised her hotel in Pokhara. "I was in the spa when the attack occurred. People were running behind me with large sticks, and I barely managed to escape with my life," she said, as quoted by NDTV. She noted that her belongings were lost in the fire, stating, "All my luggage, all my belongings, were in my room."

“The situation is very bad," Gill observed. "Fires are being set on roads everywhere, and they are not sparing tourists. The treatment of anyone here is indiscriminate; they are just setting fires everywhere without thinking."

In her video, Gill specifically addressed the Indian Embassy, imploring them for assistance in her current situation, stating, "My name is Upasana Gill, and I am sending this video to Praful Garg. I request the Indian embassy to please help us. All those who can help us, please help. I am stranded here in Pokhara, Nepal."

UP heightens security on Nepal border amid unrest

In response to escalating violence in Nepal following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered heightened security measures across its seven border districts. The decision comes as young demonstrators in Nepal continue to protest against government corruption and a controversial ban on social media platforms.

Rajiv Krishna, the Director General of Police (DGP) for Uttar Pradesh, announced a state of high alert, requiring police administration to implement continuous surveillance, increased patrolling, and the deployment of additional officers in border districts, including Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Siddharthnagar, and Maharajganj, reported the Hindustan Times.

A special control room has been established at the Police Headquarters in Lucknow. The control room will be operational around the clock, providing support via three dedicated helpline numbers: 0522-2390257, 0522-2724010, and a WhatsApp number, 9454401674.

Amitabh Yash, Additional Director General (Law & Order), stated, “The UP Police is fully committed to maintaining law and order in the state and providing all possible assistance to Indian citizens stranded in Nepal.”

Despite the unrest, authorities have clarified that the Indo-Nepal border remains open, although security measures have been intensified. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which is responsible for border security, has augmented patrols to deter the potential infiltration of anti-social elements amid the volatile situation.

Indian tourists stranded in Kathmandu amid unrest

A group of Indian tourists, including many from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, is currently stranded in Kathmandu due to escalating unrest in the Nepalese capital. Gauri K., a Chennai resident who is in Kathmandu for a Kailash-Mansarovar expedition with her sister, described the situation on Wednesday, revealing that airline services have been cancelled, leaving many travellers unable to return home.

“We had a flight today, but due to the unrest in Kathmandu, all airline companies have cancelled their services. I am now stuck in this hotel,” Gauri told PTI. About 150 Indian tourists are reportedly staying at her hotel, which was originally booked only until Tuesday.

Describing the chaotic atmosphere on Tuesday, Gauri noted, “There was absolute anarchy everywhere. Smoke was billowing from buildings torched by mobs. Though a curfew was in place, youths were roaming freely, and we also heard gunshots intermittently.” While Wednesday brought a measure of calm due to the curfew, Gauri reported that “gun-toting students were still roaming on the roads.” Hotel staff have warned guests to remain indoors amid concerns over safety as ‘mobocracy’ continues to dominate the city.

Gauri also expressed concerns regarding the costs associated with the extended hotel stay. “We are praying for the resumption of flight services. We also heard that airlines are making a killing by charging astronomical prices from Kathmandu to New Delhi,” she said.

Mallikarjun Kharge urges MEA to bring back citizens from Nepal

 In light of the ongoing challenges faced by Indian citizens stranded in Nepal, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge has called on the Ministry of External Affairs to expedite their return. Speaking after a discussion with the Foreign Secretary, Kharge expressed urgent concerns for the well-being of those affected.

"Yesterday, we spoke with the Foreign Secretary about Nepal. We want our citizens who are stranded in Nepal to be brought back from there. This is the responsibility of the Ministry of External Affairs and the government," Kharge stated during a press briefing. He emphasised the necessity of ensuring the safe return of these individuals, as the situation in Nepal necessitates immediate action.

Kharge articulated that the Indian government's commitment to repatriating its citizens is critical. "They have promised to bring them back because there is no other way now. Our people should be brought back to India as soon as possible, that is what we are saying," he remarked.

Uttarakhand CM calls for enhanced vigilance along Nepal border

In light of the recent political unrest in Nepal, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed state officials to increase vigilance along the borders with the neighbouring country. The directive was issued during a high-level video conference meeting held on Tuesday night, where Dhami emphasized the need for heightened security measures to monitor any potentially disruptive activities.

Attending the meeting were Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Director General of Police Deepam Seth, and officials from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), all of whom discussed the current security situation in the three Uttarakhand districts that share a border with Nepal: Pithoragarh, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar.

Dhami urged officials to conduct intensive inspections in their respective areas to deter any anti-social elements and to keep a close watch on the activities of local communities. Furthermore, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of monitoring social media platforms to quickly address any rumors, misleading information, or provocative content that may arise due to the unrest in Nepal.

Dhami instructed district administrations and police units to collaborate closely with central security agencies and the SSB. He suggested that surveillance efforts should leverage community participation, encouraging local residents, village committees, and forest department officials to play an active role in monitoring border activities.