Is a Nepali Woman in Mumbai Feeling Helpless Amid Violent Protests?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kamala Gautam expresses deep concern for her family in Nepal.
- The protests are fueled by frustration over corruption and political instability.
- Security forces have responded with severe measures, leading to casualties.
- The situation worsens daily, affecting the Nepali diaspora.
- Political changes are imminent with a new Interim Prime Minister expected soon.
New Delhi, Sep 12 (NationPress) A Nepali household in Mumbai's Nalasopara is grappling with anxiety and emotional turmoil as violent anti-corruption demonstrations sweep across Nepal.
Kamala Gautam, a young member of the Nepali diaspora in India, voiced her profound worries for her family, relatives, and her homeland, which is currently enduring one of its most chaotic political periods in recent history.
In an interview with IANS, Kamala shared, “I reside in Nalasopara, but my entire family is in Nepal. Recently, many regions, including Beni, Kathmandu, and Pokhara, have experienced severe destruction. The situation is dire. My parents and relatives continuously call me. Everyone is frightened. I wish to return, but the conditions are prohibitive.”
Clearly distressed, she expressed that the ongoing unrest has left the entire diaspora community in India feeling unsettled and powerless. “The situation worsens daily. We are perpetually anxious about the safety of our families back home,” she stated.
The unrest Kamala refers to commenced earlier this week when thousands of young demonstrators, largely from Nepal’s Gen Z, took to the streets in protest against rampant corruption and political instability.
The protests were initially sparked by a brief ban on social media platforms by the government, which many viewed as an effort to suppress dissent.
The demonstrations, which began in Kathmandu, quickly spread to other cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj. The response from security forces has been harsh.
At least 31 individuals have lost their lives and over 1,000 have sustained injuries in confrontations with police, according to reports.
Amid the escalating crisis, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is set to be sworn in as Interim Prime Minister as early as Friday afternoon. A day earlier, energy reformist and former NEA chief Kulman Ghising had emerged as a leading candidate for the position.