### Swift Summary
– Violent anti-government protests in Nepal have resulted in flight cancellations and road blockades, stranding numerous tourists, including a 40-member group from Kerala.
– The Kerala-based group includes travellers from Malappuram and Kozhikode districts, with some senior citizens over the age of 65. The group is currently stuck on the road at Gosala.
– Protests, led predominantly by Gen Z activists, were sparked by a social media ban and alleged government corruption in Nepal. Demonstrators continue civil disobedience despite curfews; the social media blackout has since been lifted.
– Tribhuvan international Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu has shut down due to unrest; Indian airlines like Air India and SpiceJet have cancelled flights to Kathmandu.
– The Indian government issued an advisory urging its citizens to defer travel to Nepal until conditions improve. Helpline numbers were also shared for assistance via the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
– No panic calls were received as of Tuesday but monitoring efforts are underway by agencies like NoRKA-Roots and Kerala House in New Delhi with coordination from MEA.
– Union Minister George Kurian stated that stranded Malayalis remain safe and efforts are being made for their return.
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### Indian Opinion Analysis
The ongoing political unrest in Nepal highlights significant challenges faced during periods of societal upheaval. For India, such instability poses immediate concerns regarding citizen safety while underscoring broader regional security dynamics.Tourist dependence on systems like airports or local infrastructure reveals vulnerabilities during crises-an issue that merits increased attention for better future contingency planning.
While agencies such as NoRKA-Roots and MEA appear proactive with helpline support and advisories urging caution, India’s ability to swiftly repatriate stranded nationals will be critical both practically and diplomatically. The situation also underscores enduring reliance between neighboring countries despite political volatility-a factor requiring steady collaboration moving forward.
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