Kathmandu : The historic Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most revered religious sites, has closed to visitors on Wednesday as violent protests escalate across the country. The Nepalese Army is securing the temple premises and maintaining peace.
The closure follows nationwide anti-government demonstrations that turned violent on Monday, led mainly by young protesters opposing recent government decisions. The unrest intensified after Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday under mounting pressure. Protesters attacked the residences of President Ramchandra Paudel and other top political leaders and vandalised the Parliament building.
Officials reported at least 22 people died and more than 500 were injured during clashes between protesters and security forces. The unrest erupted after the government banned 26 social media platforms, which youth activists called an attack on freedom of expression. Following nationwide outrage, the government lifted the ban late Monday. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and several other ministers also resigned amid the crisis.
The Nepalese Army deployed troops in Kathmandu late Tuesday to restore order. India increased vigilance along the Nepal border and advised its citizens in Nepal to avoid travel and stay indoors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to discuss the situation. Expressing deep anguish over the loss of young lives, he emphasized the importance of peace and stability in Nepal. “Many young people have lost their lives. The stability, peace, and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us. I humbly appeal to all my brothers and sisters in Nepal to support peace,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Authorities suspended flights to and from Kathmandu as the Nepalese Army worked to maintain law and order. The situation remains volatile, and officials continue to monitor developments closely.
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