Kolkata, 10 September (H.S.): Security has been tightened along the India-Nepal border in West Bengal after violent protests in Nepal, known as the “Generation-Z Movement,” left at least 19 people dead and several others injured. The unrest has stranded over 100 Indian truck drivers and tourists at the frontier.

Darjeeling district police have set up a 24-hour control room to assist stranded Indians. Superintendent of Police Praveen Prakash said in a statement on Tuesday night, “We have begun house-to-house searches in the border areas. While no incidents of unrest have been reported on this side, we remain on high alert. We are in constant touch with Nepal Police, and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is also on standby. Any Indian facing difficulty in Nepal is urged to contact the Darjeeling police helpline.”

Though no formal announcement has been made, traffic movement through the Panitanki border near Siliguri has been completely suspended. Both central and state authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any security lapses.

A tense atmosphere prevails in the border belt. Shops and markets in Panitanki remain shut, while across the border in Nepal, protesters set tyres ablaze on Tuesday, leading to two additional fatalities.

According to sources, border security has been doubled, with additional personnel deployed. The Defence Ministry has issued a “high alert,” and every vehicle crossing the border is being thoroughly checked with the help of dog squads. Police are recording detailed information of all drivers and passengers.

Meanwhile, hundreds of trucks are stranded on both sides of the border, further worsening the situation. In a dramatic political development, Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has resigned and reportedly left the country amid the escalating crisis.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh