Nepal Protests: West Bengal Sets Up Helpline for Stranded Indian Tourists at India-Nepal Border
As Nepal faces massive unrest from youth-led protests, the West Bengal Police has stepped in to help. They’ve launched a special helpline desk at the Panitanki border in Darjeeling district. This setup aims to assist tourists stuck in Nepal due to the chaos, making it easier for them to return safely to India.
The desk offers practical support like food packets and transport options for those crossing back through the Panitanki India-Nepal border. It’s a big relief for many Indians caught in the middle of Nepal’s political turmoil.
Nepal’s streets have turned chaotic with Gen Z protests raging against government corruption and a sudden social media ban. These demonstrations kicked off on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and spread to cities like Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj. The spark? The government’s decision to block major social media platforms over tax revenue and cybersecurity worries. Protesters see it as a clampdown on free speech, leading to violence, arson, and vandalism that have disrupted daily life across the country.
The toll is heartbreaking. The Himalayan Times reports 34 deaths in the Kathmandu Valley alone, based on Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population data. Over 1,368 people have suffered injuries in the nationwide Nepal protests.
Things are moving fast on the political front too. On Friday, a key meeting will happen at the President’s House in Nepal. It brings together Nepal Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, CPN (Maoist Centre) leaders, and President Ram Chandra Paudel. They’re likely discussing ways to calm the Nepal unrest.
In a bold move, Gen Z protest leaders held a press conference on Thursday. They nominated former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as their pick for interim Prime Minister, praising her integrity and independence. This comes right after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid the widespread protests. Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah Balen has backed Karki too, boosting her chances as the face of the youth movement.
Youth leaders leading the charge say corruption and political stagnation fueled their massive mobilization. They’re demanding an end to favoritism in governance and pushing for more accountability and transparency from officials.
The social media ban wasn’t the only trigger. Public anger boiled over with the "Nepo Babies" trend, which spotlighted the luxurious lives of politicians’ kids against the struggles of everyday Nepalis. This highlighted deep economic gaps and added fuel to the fire.
To control the situation, authorities imposed curfews in several cities, including Kathmandu. The curfew runs until 5 pm today and restarts from 7 pm until 6 am Saturday, according to the Nepalese Army. Protesters keep calling for real change to tackle institutionalized corruption.
With the India-Nepal border now a lifeline for stranded tourists, West Bengal’s quick action shows how neighboring support can make a difference during such crises. If you’re affected or know someone who is, the Panitanki helpline is there to help navigate the Nepal protests chaos.
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