Nepal protest: PM K.P. Sharma Oli to flee to Dubai? Himalaya Airlines flight on standby

As the Gen Z protests in Nepal intensify, sources say Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli is planning to flee the country, citing health reasons.

At least 19 people have died and more than 400 people have been injured so far in protests following a ban in the country on 26 social media applications last week—which is reportedly part of a larger protest against government corruption. The ban has since been lifted.

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However, the protests turned increasingly violent in the capital city of Kathmandu, which has led to an indefinite curfew imposed just inside the Ring Road area.

A Himalaya Airlines flight has been kept on standby for PM Oli's possible departure, a Prabhat Khabar report said. 

PM Oli's possible decision follows the resignation of 10 ministers of the Nepal government, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari, and Health Minister Pradeep Paudel.

He has also called for an all-party meeting at 6PM on Tuesday "to assess the situation and find a meaningful conclusion". 

Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is now on high alert to manage VIP traffic, as many leaders reportedly plan to flee the country to avoid public outrage.

"An informal directive has been issued. It is likely that leaders, considering Kathmandu unsafe, may attempt to travel, which may increase VIP traffic. Therefore, the staff has been asked to remain on high alert," an unnamed official told Navbharat Times.

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"Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities,” India's Ministry of External Affairs said in an advisory following the tense situation in the country.