The situation remains critical, with the nation isolated and its stability hanging in the balance as leaders plead for dialogue while enforcing a military-backed lockdown. (Image: X/ Reuters)
In an unprecedented move that signals a nation in lockdown, Nepal has suspended all flight operations and shut down every airport across the country. As the Himalayan nation struggles with its worst political violence in years, the extreme move, which was spurred by "nationwide security issues," isolates it. The army has taken direct control of the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, transforming the travel hub into a secured fortress amid raging protests that have claimed lives and led to the resignation of the Prime Minister.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal took the extreme step of grounding all flights to and from the country until at least 12 pm on Wednesday. This decision was not made lightly; it was a direct response to the overwhelming and violent protests that have made any form of transport, especially air travel, a critical security risk. The airport's general manager, Hansa Raj Pandey, stated that authorities will review the safety and security situation before even considering a resumption of flights, indicating the closure could extend further.
The army announced it would mobilize troops and take charge of the country's security from 10 pm Tuesday. This mobilization includes directly taking control of the Tribhuvan International Airport, the nation's main international gateway. By securing the perimeter and vital infrastructure, the army has successfully militarized the area to keep it from being a target or a point of entry for more mayhem.
Also Read: Nepal Army Seizes Control, Takes Charge Amid 27 Hours of Violent Unrest
The airport shutdown is a symptom of a much larger national breakdown. The violence has escalated far beyond demonstrations:
Jails Breached: Protesters stormed the Pokhara and Nakhu jails, facilitating the escape of approximately 900 prisoners—a catastrophic event for public safety.
Arson Attacks: Rupandehi saw the burning of both public and private structures, including a number of courts where crucial court records were destroyed.
Attacks on Leadership: The residences of top officials, including the President, the now-resigned PM Oli, and former PMs Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and Sher Bahadur Deuba, were vandalized. Unfortunately, former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal's wife died from burn injuries after his home was set on fire.
The airport closure has left tourists and pilgrims stranded. It has been confirmed that a group of more than 40 Indian pilgrims from Gujarat are stuck in Nepal on their journey. Indian BJP MLA Jitubhai Vaghani assured them of support, stating he had informed Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and the Indian government of their plight.
The international community is watching closely. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress, calling the situation “heart-wrenching.” In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “My heart is extremely disturbed by the fact that many young people have lost their lives. Nepal's stability, peace, and prosperity are of utmost importance,” appealing for calm and order.
Also Read: Nepal Protests: Over 40 Gujarat Devotees Stranded, 900 Prisoners Escape, Airports Set on Fire
The immediate catalyst for the eruption was public fury over a government-imposed social media blackout. Citizens saw the internet restrictions as an authoritarian move by PM KP Sharma Oli's government, vowing to protest until he resigned. Oli made a late capitulation, lifting the restriction and blaming the violence on "infiltration by numerous special interest organizations." The pressure mounted uncontrollably, leading to his resignation on Tuesday—a move that, instead of calming tensions, appears to have created a power vacuum that accelerated the anarchy.
Note: It is to inform that any visitor planning for Nepal visit shall look out for government advisories amid tensions escalating.
