Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday assured that all 39 people from the state stranded in Nepal are safe, despite the tense situation caused by widespread protests in the Himalayan nation.
In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said, “Kannadigas stranded in Nepal are safe. The Chief Secretaries of the state government and the Resident Commissioner of Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi are in touch with them through various teams.”
Following Siddaramaiah’s instructions, state officials have coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate the safe return of the stranded individuals. The CMO confirmed that Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh is directly overseeing the process.
The protests in Nepal erupted after the government imposed a controversial ban on social media platforms. What began as student-led demonstrations has now expanded into a nationwide youth movement, with several government offices and private properties vandalized. The unrest prompted the Nepali Army to step in and impose a curfew from Wednesday evening until Thursday morning.
The Army, in a public statement, noted that “anarchist groups” had infiltrated the protests, engaging in arson, looting, and targeted attacks. It warned that such acts would be treated as criminal offences and assured strict action. Essential services such as ambulances, fire brigades, sanitation vehicles, and transport for health workers have been exempted from the restrictions.
Amid the unrest, Karnataka’s priority remains the safe evacuation of its citizens. Siddaramaiah stressed that the government is committed to ensuring the early return of all 39 Kannadigas stranded at Kathmandu airport. The situation in Nepal continues to evolve, and authorities will decide on further curfew extensions based on developments.
