Watching Nepal closely: India

AS UNPRECEDENTED SCENES of top leaders being beaten on the streets and government buildings being burnt by protesters unfolded in Kathmandu, a worried Delhi on Tuesday said that it was observing the developments in Nepal and expressed hope that restraint would be exercised and all issues addressed "through peaceful means and dialogue".

- SHUBHAJIT ROY

India also later issued a travel advisory asking its "citizens presently in Nepal" to shelter in their current places of residence and avoid going out onto the streets.

"We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since Monday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured," the MEA said in a statement.

This was the first statement from the government on the latest situation in the neighboring country, issued hours before Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli resigned amid the first large-scale protests there in the past two decades that has led to at least 19 protesters being killed allegedly in police firing.