A group of 40 tourists from Kerala has reported being safe but remains stranded near Kathmandu International Airport, while Nepal remains tense following the Gen Z protests.

“We had gone to the Gaushala police station for help, but officers told us to leave immediately. Just hours later, the same station was set on fire," said Rafeeq P C, director of Skykru Holidays in Kozhikode, and the co-ordinator of the touring group. "Protesters are targeting government offices, banks and police buildings. Tyres are burning on the roads, and shops are shut. Thankfully, all our members are safe and healthy now,” he added.

The group, which includes senior citizens from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, was on a week-long tour organised by the Karassery Pensioners Association. Their itinerary took them from Nagarkot to Kathmandu, but violent protests broke out during sightseeing on Tuesday, forcing them to seek refuge.

Rafeeq said the group, including members aged between 9 and 76, initially panicked but are now calm. “We are accommodated in two separate hotels in Gaushala. Everyone is doing fine. Hopefully, we can return home soon with official support,” Rafeeq said.

Another tourist, Vaseetha V Jamsheed, sister of DYFI state president V Vaseef, said the agitators made it clear they were not against foreigners. “They told us their fight is with the government. They did not trouble us,” she said. Her husband, Jamsheed, is also part of the team.

The Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and the offices of several MPs are in touch with the stranded group to facilitate their safe return.

Meanwhile, Nepal continues to reel under the protests, which erupted after the government’s now-revoked social media ban. Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli was forced to resign on Tuesday.

At least 19 people were killed and over 300 injured on Monday as agitators defied curfews, vandalised government buildings, torched residences of top leaders, and even attacked the prime minister's private home in Bhaktapur.