India plans special flights to evacuate citizens stranded in Nepal after violent protests

PTC Web Desk: India is preparing to deploy special aircraft to Kathmandu to evacuate more than 400 citizens stranded at Tribhuvan International Airport, which has remained shut for two days following violent protests in Nepal that toppled Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government.

Officials at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu are in constant contact with the Nepali Army to arrange safe passage and secure landing permissions. Sources said discussions are underway to send two Indian Air Force planes from New Delhi to bring back those stuck at the airport.

The turmoil escalated earlier this week, leaving at least 22 persons dead. On Tuesday, angry demonstrators stormed key government buildings in Kathmandu, torching Parliament, the President’s Office, the Prime Minister’s residence, political party offices, and homes of senior leaders.

The violence was sparked by growing anger over corruption and a controversial social media ban. Hours after protesters surrounded his office, 73-year-old KP Sharma Oli resigned, paving the way for the Nepal Army to take control of nationwide security operations.

Troops have since been deployed across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, with restrictive orders in place to restore order.

The airport closure has left hundreds of Indians stranded. The Indian government has assured families that evacuation measures are being finalised. On Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs advised citizens to defer travel to Nepal until stability returns and shared emergency helpline numbers.

Expressing grief over the violence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Nepalese citizens to restore calm.