Nepal is facing a period of intense turmoil as widespread protests, initially sparked by a Gen-Z movement against a social media ban, have escalated into violent clashes, resulting in a tragic loss of life and leaving Indian tourists caught in the crossfire. The unrest has claimed the lives of at least 51 people, including an Indian national.

The protests, which began with demands for government transparency and the lifting of the social media ban, quickly evolved to reflect deeper frustrations over corruption, economic hardship, and a growing disconnect between the youth and the country's political elite. The situation intensified as protesters stormed government buildings and set fire to private and public establishments.

The violence has had a direct and devastating impact on Indian tourists and pilgrims visiting Nepal. A particularly tragic incident involved a 57-year-old woman from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, who died while trying to escape a luxury hotel in Kathmandu that was set ablaze by rioters. Rajesh Gola and her husband, Ramvir Singh Gola, had traveled to Kathmandu to visit the Pashupatinath Temple. As the hotel was engulfed in flames, the couple attempted to escape, but Rajesh slipped and fell, succumbing to her injuries. Her husband was hospitalized.

Another incident involved a bus carrying 49 Indian pilgrims returning from the Pashupatinath Temple, which was attacked by protesters near the Sonauli border. Stones were pelted at the bus, shattering windows and injuring several passengers, including women and the elderly. The injured were admitted to a hospital in Kathmandu.

These events have left many Indian tourists stranded in Nepal, prompting urgent evacuation efforts. The Andhra Pradesh government issued boarding passes to help stranded citizens, and charter planes were arranged to evacuate Telugu tourists. Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister has also stated that authorities are working to ensure the safe return of stranded pilgrims.

The protests have also triggered a strong reaction against Indian news media, with reports of an Indian reporter being harassed and shouted at with anti-India slogans. This sentiment stems from a perception that Indian media coverage trivializes the protests, focusing solely on the social media ban and ignoring the deeper issues of corruption and political capture.

The political instability in Nepal has raised concerns in India, given the two countries' close relationship and open border. The India-Nepal border, while facilitating close people-to-people ties, also poses security challenges, including smuggling and potential infiltration. India is Nepal's largest trading partner, and any instability in the region can have significant economic consequences.

Amid the crisis, there is a growing call for India to reset its Nepal policy and deepen its engagement with a new generation of Nepali leaders. This includes providing support across various sectors, such as technology, transportation, energy, and climate, to help Nepal achieve its development goals.

The situation in Nepal remains tense, with the Nepal Army taking charge of security and imposing curfews. While efforts are underway to restore normalcy and form an interim administration, the events of the past week have exposed deep-seated frustrations and vulnerabilities in the country, with implications for both Nepal and its relationship with India.