A Tripura PhD scholar, along with 40 Indian students, is stranded in unrest-hit Nepal following violent protests. His anxious family appeals for urgent government intervention to ensure safe evacuation as flights remain suspended and borders remain restricted.
A young PhD scholar from Tripura has been left stranded in politically troubled Nepal, causing deep anxiety for his family back home. The incident has drawn attention to the plight of several Indian students caught in the middle of escalating unrest across the Himalayan nation.
The scholar, Swapnajit Choudhury, son of Khokan Choudhury of Old Agartala, is currently pursuing his doctoral studies in Kolkata. He had travelled to Nepal on September 4 to attend an international seminar, which concluded on September 8. He was scheduled to return to Kolkata the following day. However, his plans were derailed as political turmoil gripped Nepal on the night of September 9, leading to widespread violence, curfews, and restrictions.
For two tense days, his family was unable to contact him due to severe disruption of communication networks. This period of silence left his parents and relatives deeply worried about his safety. “After the seminar, my son was supposed to fly back to Kolkata. Suddenly, everything changed. For two days, I had no news of him. Even after we could finally contact him, his condition worries us. I appeal to the government to ensure my son and the other students are brought back to India at the earliest,” said his father, visibly distressed.
Although communication has since been re-established, the situation remains precarious. Swapnajit has reportedly informed his family that he is safe for now and has been trying to establish contact with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to facilitate his safe return. His parents continue to speak to him at regular intervals, asking him about his well-being and advising him to stock up on packaged food items to avoid venturing outside amid protests and violent confrontations. His mother, overwhelmed with concern, has been calling repeatedly to ensure that he has adequate supplies.
According to information shared by his father, around 40 other Indian students who had attended the same seminar are also stranded in Nepal. Their families, too, are anxiously waiting for news from the authorities about rescue and evacuation measures.
The unrest in Nepal is being described as a youth-led movement, primarily driven by Generation Z activists. What began as demonstrations quickly escalated into violent protests, with reports of arson, vandalism, and blockades in Kathmandu and several other regions. Public life has been severely disrupted, while foreign nationals, including scholars, professionals, and tourists, have found themselves trapped due to restrictions.
The turmoil has prompted airlines to cancel international flights, while tightened border controls have made it difficult for stranded individuals to leave the country by land. Families of stranded Indian nationals are now looking towards the Indian government for urgent diplomatic and logistical intervention.
“Students like my son went there only for academic purposes. They are innocent people caught in the middle of political disturbances. We urge the government to act swiftly and ensure their return to India without delay,” Khokan Choudhury told local media.
The Tripura scholar’s ordeal has struck a chord with many across the state. Concerned citizens have expressed solidarity with his family, hoping that diplomatic efforts will soon bring relief. Social media platforms have also seen growing appeals for the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene on behalf of the stranded students.
At present, Swapnajit remains in Nepal, trying to stay safe while awaiting assistance. His case underscores the vulnerability of foreign nationals when political unrest erupts suddenly, leaving little time for travellers to react. For families back home, each passing day of uncertainty deepens the fear and helplessness they feel.
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While the Indian embassy in Nepal has reportedly been monitoring the situation, no official statement has yet been released regarding a timeline for evacuation. For Swapnajit’s family, however, the only thing that matters is his safe return. “Every moment feels heavy with worry. Until my son is back in India, we will not be at peace,” said his mother.
