The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye has issued a travel and security advisory for citizens in light of the escalating unrest in Nepal, where mass protests have led to dozens of deaths, government resignations, and the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli.

In its statement, the Ministry urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nepal. Those residing permanently or temporarily in the country were advised to exercise extreme caution and follow the guidance of local authorities.

The Ministry also encouraged Turkish citizens to monitor developments via the official website and social media accounts of Türkiye’s Embassy in New Delhi, accredited to Nepal. Contact details were provided for the Embassy (+91 920 532 12 35), the Honorary Consulate in Nepal (+977 980 812 56 96), and Türkiye’s Consulate Call Center (+90 312 292 29 29).

Protests Sparked by Social Media Ban

The crisis in Nepal erupted on September 4, when the government blocked access to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, Reddit, and LinkedIn. Authorities claimed the companies had failed to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology within the required timeframe.

The ban quickly triggered mass demonstrations, largely led by young people, who also raised grievances about widespread corruption.

Violence Escalates, Dozens Killed

As protests escalated, security forces used water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition against demonstrators. According to reports, 19 people were killed and more than 400 injured in clashes.

The government attempted to defuse tensions by announcing the lifting of the social media ban. Three cabinet members — Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Ramnath Adhikari, and Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav — also resigned.

Despite these moves, unrest continued with attacks on political leaders’ homes, the Nepal Congress Party headquarters in Sanepa, the federal parliament, the high court, and two residences of Prime Minister Oli, all of which were set ablaze.

Prime Minister Resigns Amid Chaos

As violence spread, the Nepalese army airlifted ministers from their residences for safety. Eventually, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Oli had resigned, bowing to widespread outrage and the collapse of government control.

Unrest has also spread to other regions, with around 1,000 protesters torching government vehicles at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini, an incident that forced the closure of all airports across the country until at least noon tomorrow. In the eastern Madhesh Province, authorities declared a curfew after 572 prisoners escaped from a local jail amid the escalating turmoil.

A Nation in Crisis

The dramatic developments mark one of Nepal’s most serious political crises in years, with the collapse of government authority, mass protests, and violent confrontations leaving the country in turmoil. The international community is closely watching events, while nations like Türkiye urge their citizens to remain vigilant and avoid travel to the country until stability is restored. (ILKHA)