‘Heart-rending’: PM Modi expresses concern over Nepal unrest; appeals for ‘peace and prosperity’ amid protests

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed concern over the escalating unrest in Nepal, calling the violence “heart-rending” and urging citizens of the neighbouring country to maintain peace and order.After returning from his visit to flood-hit Himachal Pradesh, Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting in New Delhi to review the situation. “The violence that occurred in Nepal is heart-rending. It was deeply painful to learn that many young lives were lost in it. Nepal’s stability, peace, and prosperity are of utmost importance to us. I humbly appeal to all my brothers and sisters in Nepal to maintain peace and order,” he said.Nepal has witnessed unprecedented turmoil since Monday, as protests led largely by young demonstrators escalated into widespread arson and clashes. The unrest began over a government ban on social media platforms and demands for stronger action against corruption.Nepal’s prime minister KP Sharma Oli, 72, resigned on Tuesday, a day after the protests turned violent, leaving 21 people dead and compelling the government to reverse the measure.The demonstrations have since evolved into a broader anti-corruption movement, challenging the country’s political establishment and testing its fragile democracy.By Tuesday, protesters torched the parliament building, Prime Minister Oli’s Balkot residence, and the homes of senior leaders.The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has released emergency helpline numbers for Indian nationals in Nepal, amid the escalating unrest.India has also urged its citizens to “defer travel (to Nepal) until the situation has stabilised.” Several airlines, including Indian carriers, suspended services after Kathmandu airport was shut on Tuesday afternoon. As the unrest deepened, multiple inbound flights circled the city before diverting or returning to India, prompting airlines to halt operations entirely.