Kozhikode/Malappuram: A 40-member team of tourists from Kerala has been stranded in Nepal amid the ongoing Gen Z protests against the social media ban and alleged government corruption. The group includes travellers from Malappuram and Kozhikode districts.

Violence reportedly broke out while the team was sightseeing in the Himalayan nation. One of the stranded tourists told Manorama News that they have been unable to check into their hotel due to the unrest.

“We have been stranded on the road at Gosala since Monday. Our group includes senior citizens above the age of 65. We are unable to reach the hotel because of the protest. Even when we approached the police, they said they were helpless as the stations themselves were shut,” he said.

The team is attempting to return to Kerala with the help of a Kozhikode-based travel agency. Officials have yet to respond regarding the evacuation of the stranded Keralites.

Nearly 19 were killed and over 300 were injured in the protest under Gen Z groups over a social media ban on Monday. Though the government revoked the ban, protests continued for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, defying restrictions on public gatherings.

The agitators have demanded the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the formation of a national government, and stringent action against corrupt politicians. In a dramatic escalation, protesters vandalised the homes of several political leaders and even torched Oli’s private residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur. The Prime Minister, however, remains at his official residence in Baluwatar.