The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday has advised people not to travel to Nepal until the situation returns to normal due to the ongoing unrest.
Nepal's government has been accused of corruption by the people following the ban on social media platforms that restrict freedom of expression.
The protests saw the death of 19 people, and on Tuesday the protesters set fire to the country’s leaders residences and several government buildings.
Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, and President Ram Chandra Poudel have resigned following the escalating protests.
Although some countries have issued alerts after the unrest escalated and Kathmandu airport was closed, the Maldivian government had not issued such an alert. Sun tried to get a statement from the Foreign Ministry on the clashes but they did not respond.
Finally, in a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Foreign Ministry cautioned people to fully follow the instructions given by the Nepalese authorities, the Maldivian High Commission in India and the ministry during this sensitive period. The ministry also advised all residents in Nepal to follow precautionary and safety protocols, and avoid riot areas.
Students affiliated with the main opposition party hold a torch rally during the protest against the rise in fuel prices in Kathmandu, Nepal June 20, 2022. (Photo/Reuters)
Additionally, as curfew has been declared in many areas of Kathmandu, the Ministry urged all Maldivians living in Kathmandu to pay special attention to their safety and security and not to take to the streets except for essential needs.
Meanwhile, the Maldivian High Commission in India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working to ensure the safety and security of the students studying in Nepal, in consultation with the relevant authorities of the country and arrange necessary facilities, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
‘At the same time, if the situation in Nepal deteriorates further, the government assures that we will provide assistance to the Maldivian people in Nepal’, the statement read.
The Ministry has asked Maldivians in Nepal to contact the High Commission of Maldives in India if they need any assistance, by direct line at +919910040786.
In addition, the ministry's hotline number 7983400 can also be reached for assistance or inquiries.
Why are they protesting in Nepal?
Protests erupted in Nepal following the government's ban on 26 social media platforms, aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation and hate speech. Among the most popular apps targeted are Instagram, YouTube, X, and Facebook, which are widely used by young people.
Initially sparked by opposition to the social media restrictions, the protests have since escalated as youth activists demand the resignation and prosecution of the current government. They cite widespread dissatisfaction with the corruption that has plagued successive administrations in recent years.