Amid widespread political unrest and protests in Nepal, over 200 tourists from Karnataka, including 39 stranded Kannadigas at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport, faced severe difficulties in returning home due to flight cancellations and curfews. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed state officials to liaise with central and Nepalese authorities to ensure the safe evacuation of these tourists.
The unrest followed Nepal’s ban on 26 social media platforms, leading to violent demonstrations, fatalities, and flight disruptions. The stranded tourists, many returning from a pilgrimage to Mansarovar, described chaotic and unsafe conditions both inside and outside the airport. Alongside, a total of nearly 700 Indians are currently stranded in Nepal.
Stranded Kannadigas Face Dire Conditions Amid Unrest
A group of 39 Kannadigas, part of a larger contingent of around 200 Karnataka tourists, have been trapped at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport since the unrest intensified in early September. Rajani Maski, a stranded tourist from Bengaluru, described being stuck for over 10 hours initially in the airport before moving to a nearby hotel due to escalating violence.
Attempts to leave the airport were hampered by the closure of roads and lack of public transport, while most major hotels in Kathmandu shut their doors fearing violence. Maski reported scenes of unrest with youths on motorbikes, burning tyres, and an intimidating security presence. She appealed for government assistance, expressing fear amid the chaos and uncertainty.
Nepal’s Political Crisis and Its Impact on Tourists
The crisis in Nepal was sparked by a government ban on 26 popular social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube, which protesters dubbed an attack on free speech. The demonstrations quickly escalated into mass anti-corruption rallies led by young activists known as the ‘Gen Z’ movement.
Clashes between protesters and security forces during these protests resulted in at least 19 deaths and widespread property damage including the vandalism of government buildings and political leaders’ residences. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned amid the turmoil on September 9. In response to the violence, the government imposed curfews and suspended flights, leaving many travellers stranded in Kathmandu.
Karnataka Government Steps In to Assist Stranded Tourists
Responding swiftly to the crisis, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh to coordinate with the Indian central government and Nepalese authorities to facilitate evacuation efforts. State government officials confirmed ongoing dialogues with external affairs agencies to ensure the safe return of all stranded Kannadigas.
Air India and IndiGo suspended flights amid the tense situation, complicating repatriation plans. While the government assures that stranded tourists are safe and receiving support, individuals like Rajani continue to face uncertainty and fear, highlighting the urgent need for effective rescue operations.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The plight of Kannadigas trapped hundreds of miles from home due to unrest underscores the vulnerability of ordinary citizens caught in political upheavals. It is essential that governments worldwide prioritise the protection and evacuation of their citizens during such crises while fostering international cooperation to stabilise conflict zones.
The Logical Indian believes in the power of empathy, peace, and dialogue to resolve political conflicts without endangering human lives.
