Some Nepalis in Hong Kong have expressed shock at the ongoing violent unrest in the South Asian country, while also raising concerns about the safety of their family members and the direction the nation is heading in.

Several of them told the Post on Wednesday that they empathised with the youth taking to the streets in the country, but opposed the escalation in violence that was putting lives at risk.

Some said they planned to show their support for those affected in Nepal, including holding a vigil to offer their condolences and raising funds to cover the victims’ funeral expenses.

“We’re in a state of shock, worried and quite uncertain about the future,” said Sanjaya Rai, a PhD student in Hong Kong.

The 31-year-old Nepali said the unrest had been triggered by people’s growing resentment and frustration over corruption, with such emotions becoming a “ticking bomb” and eventually erupting.

“I have close relatives back in Nepal, and I do worry about them … To make sure they’re OK, we’re having this regular communication with them,” he said.