Dozens of protesters gathered near the Pakistan Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Saturday. They accused Pakistan of supporting terrorists and targeting Hindus during a recent attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The protesters burned a photo of the Pakistani Army Chief and tore the Pakistan flag to show their anger.
Protestors Demand Action Against Pakistan
Nawaraj Bhandari, one of the protest leaders, said the gathering aimed to unite all Nepalis against terrorism. “All Nepalis should be united and raise their voice,” Bhandari told ANI while leading a march toward the embassy.
Four groups took part in the protest. Some protesters carried banners from the right-wing Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). They shouted slogans like “Down with Pakistan,” “Pakistan Embassy leave Nepal,” “Down with terror harboring state,” and “Save Hindu minorities.”
Strong Police Presence Near Embassy
Police had already set up barricades to block access to the newly relocated Pakistani Embassy. Protesters were unable to reach the embassy gate but continued their demonstration nearby. Security was tightened in the area as more police forces arrived.
Protesters also staged a sit-in, blocked roads, and burned more photos of the Pakistani Army Chief. Their anger grew after reports of the attack in Jammu and Kashmir spread.
Attack in Pahalgam Sparks Outrage
The protests came after an attack on tourists in Pahalgam earlier this week. According to officials, terrorists asked tourists about their religion before opening fire. The attack killed 26 people and injured many others.
One of the victims was Sudeep Neupane, a 27-year-old from Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-14 in Nepal. He was visiting Pahalgam with his mother, sister, and brother-in-law when the attack happened.
Protesters in Kathmandu claimed that Hindus were deliberately targeted. “It is clearly evident that Hindus were targeted,” one protester told ANI. “The tourists were asked about their religion and then fired on. This shows that Hindus are being suppressed and targeted deliberately.”
Indian Government Responds to Attack
Following the attack, the Indian government took strong action. On Friday, India announced the cancellation of all visas issued to Pakistani citizens, except for long-term, diplomatic, and official visas. The cancellation took effect on April 27, 2025. Medical visas will only remain valid until April 29, 2025.
“The Government of India has revoked all existing visas issued to Pakistani nationals, except Long Term Visas, Diplomatic and Official visas, with immediate effect from April 27,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan also held a video conference with chief secretaries from all states. He instructed them to take necessary steps following the visa cancellation. States were told to identify Pakistani nationals and ensure their prompt deportation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah later spoke with chief ministers over the phone. He directed them to act quickly and remove Pakistani nationals residing in their regions.
Security Measures Tightened in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, the protest near the Pakistan Embassy led to heightened security. Police increased their presence and closely monitored the protesters. Roads leading to the embassy remained blocked for several hours.
The protesters showed no signs of backing down. They continued to chant slogans, wave banners, and demand action from the Nepalese government. They urged Nepal to take a stronger stand against terrorism and protect Hindu minorities.
The demonstration ended peacefully, but organizers warned of more protests if their demands were not met.
