Why Are Tourists Stranded in Nepal Due to Gen Z Protests?

Kathmandu, Sep 10 (NationPress) Hundreds of Indian tourists are currently stranded in Nepal after the Kathmandu Airport was forced to shut down due to escalating safety concerns linked to the violent protests led by Gen Z, targeting alleged corruption and a government-imposed social media ban.

What started as a peaceful movement has rapidly devolved into violent confrontations with security forces, resulting in 22 fatalities. The unrest has also seen several politicians assaulted, with some leaders' residences set ablaze by enraged mobs.

The closure of the airport, coupled with the blockade of main highways by protestors, has left many tourists, who came to Nepal for leisure, stuck in the country, unaware of the severe situation.

A group of friends from Navi Mumbai, who intended to visit the Pashupatinath Temple, now find themselves unable to leave.

One of the friends expressed their distress, stating, "We were enjoying our time in Nepal, but after the curfew was imposed, the situation has turned quite worrisome. We hope for a safe way out soon." Another member disclosed their confinement in a hotel for the past two days.

"We arrived in Kathmandu on September 8, but the protests erupted the following day. Now, we can't return home due to the airport closure. We’ve reached out to the Indian Embassy for assistance, and they've advised us to remain in our hotel until further arrangements are made. The atmosphere is extremely tense, and we feel very frightened," he recounted.

Another member from the same group shared, "We initially came to offer our prayers at the Pashupatinath Temple, but the violence broke out right after our arrival. We’re scared, and our families back home are worried too. The Embassy has instructed us to stay safe in our hotel for now."

The Indian Embassy has promised to assist the stranded tourists in arranging their safe return, but in the meantime, they must remain in their accommodations.

The turmoil has affected not just Indian nationals but has also left several foreign tourists trapped.

A German tourist in Kathmandu shared, "The situation is dire. Yesterday, I witnessed a lot of smoke rising from hotels that were burning. It’s heartbreaking to see innocent lives being lost. I truly hope that normalcy returns soon."

Another German tourist, among a group of 14, voiced their desire for a prompt resolution. "We arrived here on Monday. Although we are safe, we wish to return home tomorrow," they said.

As the situation in Nepal remains unstable, tourists continue to face uncertainty while they await a safe exit from the country.