India tightens vigil on border, special security at UP; curfew declared in Nepal

NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government has directed the police to be on high alert in seven districts bordering Nepal as the Gen-Z riots are intensifying. However, the India-Nepal border has not been sealed. 24-hour surveillance has been imposed in Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Siddharthnagar, and Maharajganj. The DGP has ordered increased patrolling and deployment of additional police force in these areas. Apart from UP, security has also been tightened in states bordering Nepal, including Bihar and West Bengal.

A special control room has been set up at the Lucknow police headquarters to help Indians stranded in Nepal. The helpline numbers are 0522-239025, 0522-2724010, 9454401674, and WhatsApp number -9454401674. Over 3,000 Indian pilgrims, including Malayalis, are stranded in Darchen, China, after visiting Kailash Manasarovar, with the Nepal border closed and efforts underway by the Indian government to evacuate them safely. Union Minister George Kurian confirmed that efforts are being made to bring back the stranded pilgrims, including around 40 Malayalis who are in Darchen. The situation is exacerbated by the closure of Nepal's border, which is a typical return route for many pilgrims.

Meanwhile, with the administration in crisis, the army, which has taken over law and order and security, has declared a nationwide curfew. The current prohibitory order will continue till 5 pm today. After that, the curfew will come into effect. The army has asked the people to stay at home. Those who escaped from jail during the riots have also been caught. The SSB said that five people have been caught. They were caught from the UP border. It is reported that more than 1500 prisoners have escaped from jail. These include former minister Sanjay Kumar Sah and Rastriya Swatantra Party president Rabi Lamichhane.