Nepal’s capital remained tense on Tuesday as violent protests against a government ban on social media platforms plunged the country into chaos, leaving 19 people dead and forcing the closure of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.
Heavy smoke from fires set by demonstrators choked the skies around the airport, halting arrivals from the southern side and disrupting international air traffic. Several Indian flights were directly affected. Two IndiGo services—6E1153 (Delhi-Kathmandu) and 6E1157 (Mumbai-Kathmandu)—were diverted to Lucknow, while three Air India flights operating on the Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi route were cancelled. IndiGo later suspended all flights to and from Kathmandu until further notice.
The unrest, described as a “Gen Z protest,” erupted after the Nepali government’s move to block Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). The agitation quickly spiraled into a broader movement against alleged corruption, with thousands surrounding Parliament in New Baneshwor, breaking through police barricades, and clashing with security forces. Despite curfews, protesters torched the residences of top leaders, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who resigned amid the turmoil.
Dramatic visuals shared online showed plumes of smoke rising from Parliament and the homes of political leaders, while riot police, overwhelmed by the crowds, sought shelter inside government buildings. Schools in Kathmandu were ordered shut as violence spread across the city.
A day after the deadly crackdown, anger remained high with fresh gatherings on Tuesday condemning police action and the deaths of protesters. Authorities say the social media ban has now been withdrawn, but the protests show little sign of abating.
