KATHMANDU, Nepal – Armed soldiers guarded the streets of Nepal’s capital Wednesday, enforcing a curfew in an effort to restore order after tens of thousands of protesters violently clashed with authorities, igniting fires at government buildings and targeting political leaders.
The presence of military personnel in key areas of Kathmandu indicated a shift towards regained control, as violent protests erupted over the government’s recent blocking of social media sites. The army announced its commitment to maintaining peace after police attempts to manage the unrest proved ineffective.
Late Tuesday, the army confirmed the arrest of 21 suspected looters as they warned citizens of the curfew and conducted checks. Protests intensified, resulting in a wave of chaos as demonstrators stormed government facilities despite the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli amid growing criticism of elected officials.
The protests began earlier this week in response to a social media ban that had sparked outrage among the youth, particularly as police opened fire on demonstrators, leading to tragic fatalities. Although the social media ban was lifted, public anger has continued, driven by frustration over political corruption and calls for the accountability of leaders.
President Ram Chandra Poudel made an appeal for a peaceful resolution, accepting the former Prime Minister’s resignation while attempting to navigate the political fallout. Amidst the unrest, young activists have labeled the demonstrations as the Gen Z protests, voicing widespread discontent with the luxurious lifestyles of the political elite juxtaposed against rampant youth unemployment in the country.
Eyewitness accounts and social media footage highlighted the perilous situation, showing altercations involving prominent political figures, such as Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, who was attacked during the protests. As the turmoil unfolded, videos depicted the aftermath of violence with smoke rising from numerous government buildings that had been torched.
Despite government efforts to manage social media and impose regulations aimed at censorship under the guise of accountability, protests have burgeoned, with many accusing the regime of stifling free speech. The international community watches closely as questions about the future of governance and civil rights in Nepal arise amidst these dramatic events.
