A group of 112 tourists from Murbad taluka in Maharashtra's Thane district finds itself trapped in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal, due to escalating anti-government protests that have plunged the country into chaos. The stranded individuals, split between hotels in the two cities, have appealed to the Maharashtra government for immediate evacuation, citing intense riots and personal safety concerns.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of international travel during political unrest, prompting coordinated efforts between state authorities and central agencies to ensure their safe return, while underscoring the broader implications of Nepal's ongoing crisis on regional tourism and diplomacy.
Murbad MLA Kisan Kathore reported that 47 tourists are sheltered in a Kathmandu hotel amid the worst of the violence, with the remaining 65 in Pokhara. Kathore has engaged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Thane district collector to facilitate their repatriation. In a video call, the group described the harrowing conditions, expressing anxiety over the escalating turmoil and pleading for prompt action.
Nepal's political upheaval intensified on Tuesday when Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid massive "Gen Z"-led protests against a social media ban, corruption, and government apathy. Demonstrators stormed parliament and torched leaders' homes, resulting in 19 deaths and widespread instability. The protests, initially sparked by digital restrictions, have evolved into a broader critique of the political elite, disrupting daily life and stranding foreigners like these Indian tourists.
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Indian officials are likely coordinating with Nepalese authorities and the Ministry of External Affairs for evacuation, possibly via airlifts or border crossings. This event adds to concerns over traveler safety in volatile regions, with advisories issued for Indians in Nepal.
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