By Kritika Gangwar
According to an official, the protesters forcibly entered the parliament building and set it on fire. Earlier, they also stormed the headquarters of the largest political party of Nepal, the Nepali Congress as well as residences of various politicians.
As reported by Reuters, citing the civil aviation authority, the Kathmandu International Airport, Nepal has been ordered to shut down immediately due to the violent protests going on in the country and it led to 19 people including a 12 year old dying, many injured as police opened fire on them.
Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo released travel advisories for passengers. The Nepali Army has been stationed at the airport to ensure security.
Air India cancelled number of flights departing from Delhi to Kathmandu.“In view of the current situation prevailing in Kathmandu, the following flights AI2231/2232, AI2219/2220, AI217/218 and AI211/212 operating on the Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi route have been cancelled today. We are closely monitoring the situation and will share further updates. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remain top priority.” as said by an Air India spokesperson.
IndiGo added that “all flights to and from Kathmandu stand suspended as of now”. They are “closely monitoring the development and coordinating with local authorities to resume operations at the earliest.”
As reported by ANI via The Himalayan Times, smoke was visible near the airport after authorities used tear gas to repel the protesters from the site.
Flights are being cancelled because the protests led by Nepal’s Gen Z activists escalated into serious violence with protesters setting fire to the government buildings including ex Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s residence in Balkot. He resigned to facilitate a political resolution.