The Uttar Pradesh government has placed police forces on high alert across all seven districts bordering Nepal as violent anti-government protests continue to engulf the Himalayan nation.
The move follows Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation after days of unrest led by young demonstrators opposing corruption and a controversial social media ban.
Director General of Police Rajiv Krishna has ordered round-the-clock surveillance, intensified patrolling, and deployment of additional personnel in Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Siddharthnagar and Maharajganj.
A special control room has been set up at Police Headquarters in Lucknow to assist Indian nationals stranded in Nepal. Three helpline numbers, including one WhatsApp line, have been activated and will remain operational 24×7 – 0522-2390257, 0522-2724010, and 9454401674 (WhatsApp also on 9454401674).
“The UP Police is fully committed to maintaining law and order in the state and providing all possible assistance to Indian citizens stranded in Nepal,” ADG (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash said.
Authorities confirmed the Indo-Nepal border has not been sealed but vigilance has been stepped up.
The Sashastra Seema Bal, which guards the open border, has increased patrols to prevent infiltration of anti-social elements. Commissioner of Devipatan division, Shashi Lal Bhushan Sushil, instructed district magistrates to coordinate closely with police and SSB officials.
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The alert comes as violent clashes erupt in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, and several other cities. Protesters stormed and set fire to the Parliament building, the President’s office at Shital Niwas, and the homes of top leaders. Local media reported at least 22 people killed and more than 500 injured in police firing and street clashes.
On Tuesday, Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel appealed for calm, urging demonstrators to seek dialogue over destruction. “In a democracy, the demands raised by citizens can be addressed through dialogue and negotiation,” he said in a statement.
The unrest was triggered by the government’s decision to ban 26 major social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube, citing cybersecurity and revenue concerns.
Although the ban was later revoked, the crackdown fuelled public anger. Protesters have since demanded an end to corruption and greater accountability in governance.
The protests spread to border towns such as Nepalgunj, where schools and businesses remained closed for a second consecutive day. Roads were blocked with burning tyres, and government offices were besieged by crowds of demonstrators.
Curfews have been imposed in multiple cities, including Kathmandu and Dang. The Nepal Army, which assumed charge of security operations from 10 pm Tuesday, called on the youth to exercise restraint and safeguard both public and private property.
Airlines including Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo cancelled flights to Kathmandu after demonstrators attempted to storm Tribhuvan International Airport.
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