Stranded Indian in Nepal Appeals for Help Amid Unrest
Distressed woman in Pokhara seeks Indian Embassy’s help.
A distressing plea for help from an Indian woman stranded in Pokhara, Nepal, has sparked urgent action from the Indian Embassy, as violent protests and political turmoil grip the Himalayan nation. The woman, visibly shaken in a video shared on X by the handle @ukaabmedia, appealed for rescue, claiming she was stuck due to unrest following a government-imposed social media ban. The video, reposted by Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney on September 10, prompted a swift response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which confirmed that the Embassy in Kathmandu has reached out to provide assistance.
In the undated video, the woman, identifying herself as an Indian involved in organizing a volleyball league in Nepal, described her dire situation in Pokhara, a popular tourist destination now caught in the chaos of nationwide protests. “I’m stranded here with no way out,” she said, urging the Indian Embassy to intervene. Sahney, amplifying her plea, tagged the Embassy and MEA on X, writing, “Please advise location and contact number of stranded persons @IndiaInNepal is kindly requested to extend immediate help for safe evacuation @MEAIndia.” Within hours, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded, confirming that the Embassy had contacted the woman and provided emergency support, sharing contact numbers (+977-9808602881 and +977-9810326134) for other Indian citizens needing help.
Nepal has been reeling from violent demonstrations since Monday, sparked by a controversial ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and X, which protesters—led by the youth-driven Gen Z movement—denounced as an attack on free expression. The unrest, marked by arson, vandalism, and attacks on government buildings, culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Tuesday, September 9. The Nepal Army, taking control of security, imposed a nationwide curfew until 6 a.m. Thursday and deployed troops to restore order amid reports of 19 deaths and over 300 injuries.
Also Read: Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising Threatens to Derail Democracy
The army has urged foreign nationals, including tourists, to contact local security posts for assistance, while encouraging hotels and tourism agencies to support stranded visitors. Pokhara, known for its serene lakes and Himalayan views, has seen disruptions to transport and communication, leaving travelers like the Indian woman vulnerable. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, proactive in its response, issued emergency contact numbers on Tuesday to assist its nationals, emphasizing India’s commitment to their safety.
The crisis has heightened concerns for the thousands of Indian tourists and workers in Nepal, a popular destination for adventure tourism and cultural exchanges. With the situation stabilizing but still volatile, the Embassy continues to monitor developments, urging citizens to exercise caution and reach out for help. The woman’s plea, now a symbol of the broader turmoil, underscores the challenges faced by foreigners caught in Nepal’s political upheaval, as India ramps up efforts to ensure their safe return.
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