Indian Tourist’s SOS From Nepal: Upasana Gill Claims Mob Torched Hotel Shares Desperate Video Appeal

A shocking video has emerged from Pokhara, Nepal, amid the violent Gen Z protests, showing an Indian tourist making a desperate appeal for help from the Indian government.

The woman, identified as Upasana Gill, claimed that protesters set fire to the hotel where she was staying. She said she narrowly escaped after a mob carrying sticks chased her, leaving her stranded and fearful for her life.

Upasana Gill's Desperate Video Appeal

In the viral video, Gill is heard pleading for urgent assistance:

''My name is Upasana Gill, and I am recording this video for Praful Garg. I urgently request the Indian Embassy to help us. Anyone who can assist, please come forward. I am currently stranded in Pokhara, Nepal, where I had come to host a volleyball league. The hotel where I was staying has been completely burned down, and all my belongings and luggage were destroyed in the fire. At the time, I was in the spa, and suddenly a mob armed with large sticks began chasing me. I barely managed to escape with my life.''

Gen Z Protests Shake Nepal

The student-led Gen Z protests began after the Nepal government imposed a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X. However, the demonstrations quickly escalated into a larger movement against corruption and political apathy under Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Over the past two days, protesters stormed government buildings, torched the parliament, and set several leaders' homes on fire. At least 19 people have died in the violence. Facing massive public anger, PM KP Sharma Oli resigned, though demonstrations continued.

Indian Embassy Issues Advisory

Responding to the worsening crisis, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued an urgent advisory, asking all Indian nationals to:

Defer travel to Nepal until the situation stabilises.

Shelter in place and avoid stepping out unnecessarily.

Stay in touch with embassy helpline numbers for assistance.

The embassy has released emergency contacts:

📞 +977-9808602881 (WhatsApp available)

📞 +977-9810326134 (WhatsApp available)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also urged Indian citizens to follow safety instructions issued by Nepalese authorities.

Indian Tourists Returning Home

With flights disrupted and airports shut, many Indian tourists have begun returning via the India-Nepal Sonauli border in Uttar Pradesh.

One tourist, Pramila Saxena from Bhopal, said her group of 60 senior citizens had to abandon their pilgrimage to Kathmandu's Pashupatinath Temple after flights were cancelled.

Another tourist, Ashok, shared that they were forced to stay in a lodge overnight before returning to India.

Nepal President Appeals for Peace

Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel has called on protesters to resolve the conflict through peaceful dialogue, even as the situation remains tense across several cities.