India-Nepal Border on High Alert Amid Violent Protests in Nepal

Social Media Ban, Corruption Allegations Spark Unrest; Travel and Trade Disrupted, PM KP Sharma Oli Resigns

India has tightened security along its 1,751 km border with Nepal amid escalating protests in the neighbouring country. The unrest, largely led by youth protesting a social media ban and rampant corruption, has led to violent clashes, multiple deaths, and the resignation of Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Why Is the India-Nepal Border on High Alert?

Violent youth-led protests erupted across Nepal due to:
- A temporary government ban on social media
- Widespread corruption
- Long-standing unemployment and economic issues
At least 22 people killed, including 3 police officers, in clashes
Protesters torched parliament and other government buildings
PM KP Sharma Oli resigned amid rising public pressure

Border Restrictions & Security Measures

India has restricted movement along the border, with heavy deployment of:
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- State police forces from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal
Cross-border movement suspended except:
- Indian citizens returning from Nepal
- Nepali citizens returning home from India
Nepali citizens not allowed to enter India, and vice versa

“An alert has been issued on the India-Nepal border, considering the unrest in Nepal,” an SSB official told ANI.

All air travel suspended
Most airports in Nepal are closed
Goods trucks stranded at Panitanki border (West Bengal) as trade halts

Affected Border Regions in India

Uttar Pradesh (Gauriphanta, Lakhimpur Kheri)
Bihar
Uttarakhand
Sikkim
West Bengal (Darjeeling district)

Local police and border forces are on high alert with checkpoints and tight surveillance at crossing points.

India Issues Travel Advisory for Citizens in Nepal

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has:

Advised citizens to defer non-essential travel to Nepal
Urged caution for those currently in Nepal
Called for peaceful resolution through dialogue and restraint
Noted that curfews are in effect in Kathmandu and other cities

“We hope all concerned will address issues through peaceful means,” the MEA stated.

What’s Happening in Nepal?

Protests began over the now-revoked social media ban
Anger fuelled by:
- Deepening economic crisis
- Persistent youth unemployment
- Political instability and allegations of corruption
Resignation of 73-year-old PM KP Sharma Oli failed to calm unrest
Parliament and political offices set ablaze
Nepal Army deployed across the country under curfew to prevent further violence

“The curfew is essential to prevent looting and arson under the guise of protests,” said a statement from the Nepal Army.

The situation at the India-Nepal border remains tense, with travel and trade disrupted and heightened security measures in place. As Nepal faces one of its most volatile political and civil moments in recent years, India remains watchful, urging restraint and supporting a peaceful resolution.