Armed soldiers surrounded Nepal’s parliament on Wednesday as the capital remained under indefinite curfew following two days of violent anti-corruption protests that forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign.
The unrest, the worst in decades for the Himalayan nation, erupted after a government-imposed social media ban last week. The restriction, which authorities later rolled back, sparked widespread anger, culminating in deadly clashes on Monday in which 19 people were killed as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets.
On Tuesday, furious crowds torched parliament’s main hall, leaving its charred exterior ringed with burnt vehicles and twisted metal. Army firefighters battled the blaze, while soldiers in armoured vehicles patrolled largely deserted streets.
Several government buildings, including the Supreme Court, ministers’ homes, and Oli’s private residence, were also set on fire before order began to return following his resignation.
“We are trying to normalise the situation first,” army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said. “We are committed to protect the life and property of people.”
Flights were disrupted, with Kathmandu’s main airport closed until Wednesday evening, officials said. Shops and markets across the capital also remained shuttered.
Authorities announced prohibitory orders would remain in effect until Thursday morning as political and civil leaders worked to defuse the crisis. Media reports suggested preparations for talks between government representatives and protest leaders were underway, though details were scarce.
Former Supreme Court judge Balaram K.C. urged demonstrators to form a negotiation team and called for parliament’s dissolution and fresh elections. “They should discuss forming the next caretaker government,” he told Reuters.
The protests, led largely by young Nepalis, reflected growing frustration over corruption, unemployment, and a stagnant economy that has driven millions to seek low-paying jobs abroad in construction and service industries.
Nepal, wedged between India and China, has endured chronic political instability since the abolition of its monarchy in 2008. The latest turmoil has raised alarm in New Delhi, where India’s security cabinet held emergency talks late Tuesday.
“Nepal’s stability, peace, and prosperity are of utmost importance,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, urging citizens of the neighbouring nation to maintain calm.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
