Nepal violence spirals: Indian volleyball player flees burning hotel, appeals to government

Faridabad : Volleyball player Upasana Gill from Delhi, along with her team including players from Faridabad, is stranded in Nepal amid the ongoing protests against corruption and social media ban. Upasana Gill had travelled to Pokhara to host the Nepal Volleyball League (Season 2), which began on September 5 and was scheduled until September 13. She was staying at Sarovar Hotel when violent protests broke out. In a video message shared on social media, she appealed to the Indian government for immediate help. She revealed that her hotel was set on fire, and while she was at the spa, protestors armed with sticks chased her, forcing her to escape to safety. “The situation here is terrible. There is fire everywhere. Protestors are attacking tourists too without caring who they are. We don’t know how long we can stay in another hotel. Please ensure this message reaches the Indian Embassy,” she said.

Reacting to the video, Haryana State Women’s Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana CM Nayab Saini, demanding urgent rescue of Indian citizens stranded in Nepal. She highlighted that several people from Haryana, apart from Upasana Gill’s team, are stuck in Pokhara and other violence-hit areas, where law and order has completely collapsed, movement is restricted, and access to essential services is cut off.

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The Commission’s letter stated that lives are at serious risk and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu for swift identification, relief, and evacuation of stranded citizens.

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It also stressed prioritizing the safety of women and vulnerable groups during the rescue operation and called for immediate strong action to prevent any loss of life.