High Alert in UP Border Towns as Nepal’s Gen Z Protests Escalate Tensions and Risks

UP Nepal Border Alert: Amid the ongoing violent protests in Nepal, the Uttar Pradesh government has directed the police administration to remain on high alert in all seven border districts adjoining the Himalayan nation. The move comes after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following days of violent anti-government protests led by youth protesters against corruption and the controversial social media ban.

Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Krishna ordered round-the-clock surveillance, intensified patrolling and deployment of additional police personnel in Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Siddharthnagar and Maharajganj.

Help for Indian citizens stranded in Nepal

A special control room has been set up at the police headquarters in Lucknow to assist Indian citizens stranded in Nepal. Three helpline numbers, including a WhatsApp number, will be operational 24x7 – 0522-2390257, 0522-2724010, and 9454401674 (also available on WhatsApp number 9454401674).

Speaking to the media, ADG (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash said, 'UP Police is fully committed to maintaining law and order in the state and providing all possible assistance to Indian citizens stranded in Nepal.'

Vigilance has been increased

Officials have confirmed that the India-Nepal border has not been sealed, but vigilance has been increased. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) deployed on the open border has intensified patrolling to prevent infiltration of anti-social elements. Devipatan Mandal Commissioner Shashi Lal Bhushan Sushil has instructed the District Magistrates to work together with the police and SSB officials.

What is the whole matter?

Nepal is facing its most serious political crisis in recent years. The government's sudden ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, sparked massive outrage among the public, especially the youth. The ban was aimed at enforcing registration and regulatory monitoring, but the youth, fed up with corruption, unemployment, and lack of political transparency, saw it as a repressive government policy. This Generation Z movement led to violent street protests, which left at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured. Protesters targeted the Parliament building and the residences of prominent leaders.