92 Punjabis Stranded in Nepal Amid Fire and Curfew at Bhairahawa Border – Return from Janakpur Dham

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The group departed from Amritsar on September 3 and crossed the border to reach Janakpur Dham on September 5. From there, they traveled to Kathmandu on September 6 and later to Pokhara. The pilgrims’ schedule was progressing normally until sudden unrest erupted in Nepal on September 8. Since then, the group has been searching for a safe route back.

Protesters moving on bikes in Pokhara, Nepal.

Group travels overnight for safety

Considering the worsening situation in Nepal, the group decided to travel at night for safety. Rinku Batwal shared a video stating they were in Pokhara on September 9. Tension and curfews filled the streets, with young protesters seen on bikes. Smoke rose from burning buildings near their hotel.

Authorities imposed a curfew in the area, prompting them to leave for the Nepal border on the night of September 9-10.

Amritsar pilgrims performing kirtan at a hotel near Nepal’s Bhairahawa border.

Waiting at Bhairahawa Border

After traveling overnight, the group reached Bhairahawa on the Nepal-India border on September 10. The travelers are currently held there, with security agencies monitoring the situation. Group members say they want to return to India safely by any means possible. Today, they will attempt to cross the border into India, hoping for permission.

Heightened security at India-Nepal border

In response to rising violence in Nepal, Indian security agencies have increased vigilance at the border. Strict checks are being conducted on travelers. Temporary restrictions have been imposed in certain areas due to worsening conditions.

Sources indicate that Indian agencies are compiling lists of stranded citizens in Nepal and prioritizing their safe return.

The India-Nepal border is just a short distance from the hotel where Amritsar travelers are staying. Today, the group will attempt to cross this border.

Current situation in Nepal

A wave of Gen-Z protests began after the government imposed social media restrictions and due to growing dissatisfaction with corruption and administration. Over the past week, sudden youth-led demonstrations have turned violent nationwide. What started as grievances against social media bans and corruption has spread to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Janakpur, and other cities.

Thousands of young protesters took to the streets, with demonstrations quickly turning violent. Government offices and vehicles were targeted, while hotels and public buildings were set on fire. Protesters on bikes blocked roads amid unrest. Nepal deployed the army and imposed curfews in several districts, but violence has not been completely controlled.

Local media reports indicate dozens dead and hundreds injured, with hospitals overwhelmed. Security forces are accused of harsh actions, while protesters face accusations of damaging public property.

Fear persists among locals and tourists, with many avoiding public movement. Several foreign nationals and tourists are heading to border areas. The India-Nepal border is witnessing increased crowds, with both countries’ security agencies on high alert. Monitoring continues, but normalcy remains unpredictable.