Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to discuss the developments in Nepal. In a social media post, Prime Minister said, the violence in Nepal is heart-rending.
Expressing his anguish on the loss of lives of the young in Nepal, Prime Minister Modi underlined that the stability, peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance. Mr. Modi also appealed to the citizens of Nepal to support peace.
Air India and IndiGo are among the airlines that cancelled their flights connecting Kathmandu yesterday as the airport in Nepal’s capital has been temporarily closed amid massive anti-government protests.
Nepal Airlines also cancelled its flight from Delhi to Kathmandu yesterday. Air India and SpiceJet have also cancelled their flights to and from Kathmandu for today.
IndiGo said that in light of the current situation and the closure of Kathmandu airport, all flights to and from Kathmandu stand cancelled until 1200 hours on September 10.
A source said one of the flights of Air India returned to the national capital yesterday as smoke was noticed at the Kathmandu airport during final approach of the aircraft.
Another Kathmandu-bound Air India flight that took off from Delhi was diverted to Lucknow and later returned to the national capital. Air India operates six flights a day between Delhi and Kathmandu, while IndiGo operates one flight daily on the route.
Meanwhile, Government has advised Indian citizens to defer travel in Nepal until the situation stabilises. In an advisory, the government has advised Indian citizens presently in Nepal to shelter in their current places of residence, avoid going out onto the streets and exercise all due caution.
It also advised to follow local safety advisories from Nepal authorities as well as the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. In case of any assistance required, the government has also issued helpline numbers +977 – 980 860 2881 and +977 – 981 032 6134 of the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
Border along with Nepal in West Bengal has been put under tight vigilance. Earlier State Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar talked with the IG north Bengal, Superintendent of Darjeeling district and all the district SPs bordering Nepal. Additional police force have been sent including Rapid Action Force RAF and combat force.
Intelligence enhanced along areas including Panitanki of Darjeeling district bordering Pashupatinagar, Kankarvita of Nepal.
Sashastra Seema Bal SSB has also enhanced vigilance along the Nepal border in Bengal. SSB is a paramilitary force guard the border along Nepal and Bhutan.
