Protest erupts outside Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu over Nepali death in Pahalgam terror attack

KATHMANDU: Protests broke out in Kathmandu on Monday after a Nepali youth was among the 26 people killed in a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on April 26.

Demonstrators gathered outside the Pakistani Embassy, waving black banners and chanting slogans including “Stop anti-Hindu terrorism.” Many carried photos of Sudip Neupane, the young Nepali man who died in the attack. One banner accused Pakistan’s military leadership of promoting “anti-Hindu” violence, calling it “a form of murder.”

Saturday also saw mass demonstrations in Kathmandu, where hundreds joined a rally organized by the Nepal Citizens’ Movement demanding justice for the victims.

Grief and outrage have swept Nepal after Sudip Neupane, a 27-year-old public health graduate, was killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on April 26.

Sudip, who was exploring career opportunities and considering a future in nephrology to open a dialysis center, was traveling with his mother, sister, and brother-in-law on a short family trip when terrorists opened fire on a group of Hindu tourists.

Originally from Belbhariya in Ward 14 of Butwal Sub-metropolitan City, Sudip had been living in Kalikanagar, Butwal, for the past four years. After completing his bachelor’s degree in public health from Dharan, he was actively involved in rural outreach programs. He recently collaborated with Adhunik Samaj Dental Care on an oral health campaign across Butwal, Bhairahawa, and Pyuthan.

In Kathmandu, anger over the attack erupted into the streets.

The Pahalgam killings have also sparked strong political reaction in Nepal’s Parliament. During Sunday’s session, lawmakers from across the spectrum condemned the attack, labeling it an act of terrorism and calling for international accountability.

Nepal has issued a strong condemnation of the terrorist attack that killed 26 people, including tourists, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a “barbaric act” and pledging full solidarity with India.

In a statement released Wednesday, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the attack and extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. The ministry also wished a speedy recovery for those injured.

“Nepal unequivocally condemns the barbaric terrorist attack on innocent tourists,” the statement read. “We stand in steadfast solidarity with the government and people of India in this time of sorrow.”

President Ramchandra Paudel took to social media to express his grief, calling the violence “utterly reprehensible” and offering prayers for the victims and their families.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also condemned the attack in a post on X, reaffirming Nepal’s support for India and its broader fight against terrorism. “Close coordination is underway to verify reports of a Nepali national among the victims,” he said.

Top leaders from Nepal’s major political parties have also denounced the attack, pledging their support to India. Prime Minister Oli held a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offering condolences and expressing Nepal’s full backing of India’s anti-terrorism efforts.

The attack, which targeted a group of Hindu tourists, has sparked outrage across Nepal, with citizens and lawmakers calling for stronger regional cooperation against terrorism.