The Gen Z-led protests in Nepal have started to have effects across the border, with the border becoming inaccessible due to the protest wave. It is mainly a youth-led agitation that has been increasingly swirling in Nepal over days, and this time around the protesters are seeking a better form of governance, job opportunities and an end to political instability. This unrest has also brought concern in India, especially in Bihar, with the porous border shared with Nepal.
The continuous protests in Nepal have stalled cross-border movements and trade to the extent that thousands of individuals are dependent on cross-border movement between the two regions for their daily work, education, and business. This has caused delays reported in transporters and traders as more checks and restrictions are applied at crossing points. Local people living close to the border who frequently cross the border between the two nations are also experiencing problems because the governments are increasing their security in order to keep peace.
To counter the situation, the Indo-Nepal border has been increased in patrolling along the Bihar. Greater numbers of security forces have been used to ensure the crossings are checked and any spill over of unrest is prevented into Indian territory. Long queues are being experienced at border checkpoints, with vehicles and people being scrutinized further. Authorities have called on citizens in the border states to be on guard and not travel freely until the state of affairs calms down.
The Nepal protests, which were led by the young generation, show a general dissatisfaction towards the failure of the government to provide jobs, corruption and failure to create opportunities. The young population, which is made up of Generation Z, dominated by high school students and young professionals, has flocked to the streets in huge numbers, demanding reforms and accountability of the government. Although the movement is mostly peaceful, the commotion posed by the mass gatherings has created ripple effects in the normal operations, such as the exchange across borders.
In the case of Bihar, the turn of events is a concern, considering that there exist strong cultural, social and economic links between the two regions. Any sustained interference poses threats to trade and commerce as well as to the livelihood of the border communities. Some of the most affected are farmers, small shopkeepers and transport operators as the free movement they need has been limited.
Both the authorities on either side of the border are monitoring the situation closely. As Nepal struggles to curb the youth-related protests, India is on high alert to ensure that the boundary is secure and that normalcy is restored as soon as it can. Up to this point, the Gen Z demonstration in Nepal has not only rocked the domestic politics of the country but also projected its shadow over the border to Bihar.
