Kathmandu witnessed a wave of anger on Saturday as dozens of protestors from various organisations marched toward the Pakistan Embassy, condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, including a Nepali citizen, 27-year-old Sudeep Neupane from Butwal.
The protestors, including groups affiliated with the Right-wing Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), set fire to photographs of the Pakistani Army Chief, tore the Pakistan flag, and raised powerful slogans like “Down with Pakistan”, “Pakistan Embassy leave Nepal”, and “Save Hindu minorities”.
Nawaraj Bhandari, a protest leader, told media,
“All Nepalis should unite and raise their voice against terrorism. That’s why we are gathered here.”
Security forces had barricaded the roads leading to the newly relocated Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu, but protesters managed to block the approach road, staging a sit-in while continuing their sloganeering.
The demonstrators accused Pakistan of harbouring terrorists and deliberately targeting Hindus during the Pahalgam attack. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the terrorists had asked tourists about their religion before firing at point-blank range, severely injuring nearly two dozen others.
“It is clear Hindus were targeted deliberately. Now India is taking action; we also expect our Government of Nepal to act firmly,” said another protester.
The killing of Sudeep Neupane, who was holidaying with his family in Pahalgam, has deeply angered the Nepali public, with calls for the Nepal government to adopt a stronger stance against Pakistan.
Background on Diplomatic Actions:
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Government on April 26 revoked all categories of visas issued to Pakistani nationals — except long-term, diplomatic, and official visas — effective April 27, 2025.
Medical visas will remain valid only until April 29.
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated:
“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. Medical Visas will be valid only till 29th April 2025.”
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has directed all states to enforce this policy, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah held consultations with Chief Ministers, instructing them to identify and deport Pakistani nationals currently residing in their states.
This sweeping decision marks a significant tightening of India’s border security policy following the deadly attack.