Amid escalating turmoil in Nepal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Tuesday to address the unfolding crisis. The meeting comes in response to violent protests that have led to the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and widespread unrest across the nation.
Expressing his concern, Modi described the violence in Nepal as "heart-rending" and conveyed his anguish over the loss of young lives. In a statement released on X, Modi emphasized the paramount importance of stability, peace, and prosperity in Nepal for India. He appealed to all Nepalese citizens to support peace during this critical time.
The CCS meeting included key members such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The committee convened to assess the implications of the Nepalese crisis and strategize on how India can best support its neighbor in restoring stability.
Nepal has been gripped by intense protests, initially sparked by the government's ban on social media platforms. These protests, largely led by Gen Z activists, quickly evolved into broader demonstrations against alleged corruption, political apathy, and overall governance issues. The situation escalated dramatically, with protestors storming government buildings, setting fire to Parliament, and targeting the residences of high-profile leaders.
In response to the escalating violence, the Nepalese government has lifted the ban on social media platforms in an attempt to appease protestors. However, the unrest continues, prompting the army to take charge of security measures. Security agencies have jointly appealed for restraint and called for peaceful resolution through dialogue.
President Paudel has also urged national unity and called on all parties to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis. The President emphasized the need for cooperation to navigate the country's difficult situation peacefully.
India's concern over the Nepal situation is underscored by the close relationship and shared border between the two countries. Uttar Pradesh Police have been put on high alert in all districts bordering Nepal. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide assistance to Nepal in its efforts to restore peace and stability.