Nepali students studying in India have postponed their travel plans and are making frequent calls to their families, gripped by uncertainty as violent protests continue to roil Nepal. The student-led "Gen Z" demonstrations, initially sparked by a government ban on social media, have evolved into widespread unrest against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's administration and the political elite, citing allegations of corruption and neglect.

With Oli resigning amid two days of chaos, including the storming of government buildings and the burning of the parliament, at least 19 people have died in the violence, leaving students in India fearful for their loved ones and the stability of their homeland.

The protests in Nepal began as a response to the social media restrictions but quickly expanded to address deeper grievances, with demonstrators clashing with authorities and targeting symbols of power. The government lifted the ban late on Monday, but the escalation has already caused significant disruption, forcing many Nepali students in India to reconsider visits planned for events like the Dussehra festival.

A master's student at Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce, for instance, cancelled his trip to Kathmandu, following family advice to stay put, while an MBA student from IIT-Dhanbad expressed concerns about ongoing violence in the capital despite relative calm in his hometown.

Students shared personal stories of distress, with one Delhi University student worrying about her grandparents and extended family amid reports of deaths and destruction, and another PhD scholar at South Asian University describing a sense of helplessness from afar. "I never thought students would be killed for raising their voice," said a first-year DU student, who now calls home every few hours. Others, like a student from Birgunj, have indefinitely deferred trips, highlighting the emotional toll as they monitor the situation closely.

Also Read: Trump Wins Big: Supreme Court Freezes $5B Aid

India has issued an advisory urging its citizens to avoid travel to Nepal until conditions improve, reflecting the broader regional implications of the crisis. As Nepal grapples with political turmoil, the uncertainty has disrupted lives on both sides of the border, with students hoping for a swift return to peace while balancing their studies and personal safety in India.

Also Read: Fifth Death on ‘Highway to Hell’ Near Kulur