What Measures Are Being Taken by Ahmedabad Administration for Citizens in Nepal Amid Unrest?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ahmedabad administration offers helpline for citizens in Nepal.
- Contact the Indian Embassy for stranded nationals.
- Protests sparked by social media bans have turned violent.
- Government has imposed a curfew and deployed the Army.
- Long-standing issues of corruption and unemployment highlighted.
Ahmedabad, Sep 10 (NationPress) Amid the escalating unrest and violent occurrences reported from Kathmandu and various regions of Nepal, the Ahmedabad district administration announced a specialized helpline for citizens on Wednesday, according to officials.
Authorities have encouraged any Ahmedabad district residents currently in Nepal, or those whose family members are aware of such travels, to promptly notify the administration using helpline number 079-27560511.
The advisory also indicated that Indian nationals either stranded or residing in Kathmandu can directly reach out to the Indian Embassy in Nepal for support.
The Embassy has established dedicated helplines at +977-9808602881 and +977-9810326134.
Furthermore, assistance is available through the State Disaster Management Centre in Gandhinagar at 079-23251900/902/914.
The Ahmedabad Resident Additional Collector, Bhavin Sagar, stated that these initiatives are designed to ensure timely support and safety for citizens traveling or stranded in Nepal.
Nepal is currently facing its most severe unrest in years, triggered by the government's decision to ban social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. This has resulted in significant protests led by Gen Z activists advocating for freedom of expression, job opportunities, and an end to corruption.
The protests began in Kathmandu and spread across the country, escalating into violence as security forces employed tear gas, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition, resulting in at least 19 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Angry demonstrators set fire to government buildings, including the Parliament and Supreme Court, vandalized residences of political figures, and targeted media outlets, while mobs attempted looting and jailbreaks.
In response, the Nepal government deployed the Army throughout the capital, Kathmandu, imposed an indefinite curfew, and attempted to regain control, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
This turmoil has highlighted long-standing frustrations concerning unemployment, corruption, and economic stagnation, with Kathmandu's Mayor and youth icon Balendra Shah emerging as a prominent voice advocating for calm.
India has cautioned its citizens to refrain from traveling to Nepal, while numerous Indian tourists remain stranded amid the upheaval, emphasizing the regional implications of this youth-driven movement that has unsettled the political framework of the Himalayan nation.