Security forces patrol the Indo-Nepal border as Uttar Pradesh goes on high alert after violent protests in Nepal. [Photo Source: Reuters]
Uttar Pradesh has been put on high alert after violent youth-led protests in Nepal forced PM KP Sharma Oli to resign. CM Yogi Adityanath and DGP Rajeev Krishna have ordered police to stay on duty round the clock in all border districts with Nepal.
More troops have been sent in, patrols have been increased, and helplines have been set up to aid Indians who are trapped in Nepal. India's concern that the unrest in Nepal could extend to its own territory is evident in these steps.
India and Nepal share an open border, where citizens of both countries can move freely without visas. This strengthens familial relationships and trade, but it also increases the possibility of political turmoil in Nepal.
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Officials say the security steps in Uttar Pradesh are “preventive in nature.” But experts warn that if the violence continues, it could cause people to cross into India, affect trade routes, or even be misused by certain groups to spread unrest.
Seven districts in Uttar Pradesh share a 243 km border with Nepal. These include Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Siddharthnagar, and Maharajganj. DGP Rajeev Krishna has told police to remain on high alert at all times.
More police have been deployed, and surveillance has been tightened at sensitive spots. “A police post has been set up here with deployment of force. We are on alert mode and monitoring the situation,” said Area SP Praveen Parkash from the Panitanki border in West Bengal. Similar steps are being taken in other border states as well.
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UP Police has launched three helpline numbers and one WhatsApp contact to help Indians who may be stuck in Nepal. These services will work 24 hours a day.
0522-2390257
0522-2724010
9454401674 (also WhatsApp)
A special control room has also been set up at Police Headquarters in Lucknow, under the Additional Director General (Law and Order). The police are also monitoring social media to prevent the spread of fake news that could create panic.
The protests in Nepal began after the government banned 26 major social media platforms. This decision angered young people, who then raised larger issues like corruption and old-style politics. The protests soon turned violent, and demonstrators set fire to parliament and other government buildings in Kathmandu.
Clashes between police and protesters left at least 19 people dead and many others injured. The pressure forced PM KP Sharma Oli to resign, but the protests have continued across the country.
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The fast response by Uttar Pradesh shows how political instability in Nepal directly affects India’s border states. Trade, travel, and family links across the border have already been disturbed. While Indian security forces say they can control the situation, authorities are staying watchful.
The main question now is whether Nepal’s unrest will remain inside its borders or cause ripple effects in India. For now, India is focusing on keeping its border safe while also supporting its citizens stuck in Nepal.
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