"Nepalese should have chance democratically to choose their own future": Salman Khurshid on Kathmandu unrest

New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI): Amid the ongoing unrest in Nepal, Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Wednesday underscored India's long-standing ties with the neighbouring country, stressing that the people should have the chance "democratically" to choose their future.
Speaking to ANI, Khurshid appealed to the Nepalese to quickly bring back peace and consider the country as a "valuable home" for themselves.
Khurshid said, "We have a very deep and lasting relationship with the people of Nepal. And some very dramatic changes have come in their polity. We have always stood by the democratic principle that Nepalese should have the chance democratically to choose their own future and their own destination."
"We've stood by that in every way possible... We would hope to wish them the best and pray for a bright and peaceful future outlook. We can appeal to them to treat Nepal as a valuable home for themselves and to bring back peace as quickly as possible," he added.
Nepal has witnessed Gen Z protests, a widespread movement led by young people, primarily students, to demand accountability and transparency from the government.
The protests began on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns.
As tensions mounted, the situation quickly escalated on the ground. At least 19 people were killed and 500 were injured in clashes with security forces. Curfew was imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to control the situation.
The Gen Z delegation is said to have agreed on Sushila Karki's name to lead the transition government, as per local media reports.
Further, commenting on India-US trade relations, Salman Khurshid expressed concern over recent developments following a post by US President Donald Trump regarding ongoing negotiations.
"I hope that there is a solution. The manner in which things have been said or done vis-a-vis India's interests has been very distressing and very disturbing. If a better sense prevails, we can get back to normalising our relations. For the Indian people and entrepreneurs, the issue of trade is very significant. It's not only about our economy," he told ANI. (ANI)