Nepal’s Protests– At least 51 people have lost their lives in violent anti-corruption protests in Nepal, according to an updated toll released by the police on Friday.
The protests, which began earlier this week, were sparked by a government ban on social media, corruption, and poor governance. The situation has taken a dire turn, with the army imposing a curfew and taking charge of the streets.
The police crackdown on Monday resulted in the deaths of at least 21 protesters, while three policemen were also killed in the violence. “51 people have died so far this week in the protests, including at least 21 protestors and three policemen,” police spokesman Binod Ghimire told newsmen. The death toll includes prisoners killed during or after their escape in clashes with Nepali security forces.
The protests turned violent on Tuesday, with demonstrators setting the parliament ablaze and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigning from his post.
The army then took control of the streets, imposing a curfew to restore order. Nepal’s army said Friday that it had recovered more than 100 guns looted in the uprising, during which protesters were seen brandishing automatic rifles.
More than 12,500 prisoners who escaped from multiple jails countrywide during the chaos remain on the run, with some trying to cross the porous border into India.
“About 13,500 prisoners had escaped — some have been recaptured, 12,533 are still at large,” Ghimire said. Indian border forces have apprehended scores of fugitives attempting to flee into India.
Talks are ongoing between the president, protest representatives, key potential figures who may lead an interim administration, and the army.
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as a potential candidate to lead the interim government, with the Gen Z protest movement endorsing her nomination.
Karki’s integrity and independence have earned her widespread support, and discussions are underway to determine the next steps in forming an interim government.
The meeting between the president, the army chief, former chief justice Sushila Karki, and protest representatives is expected to discuss the formation of an interim government and Karki’s potential appointment as interim Prime Minister.
Public frustration has been building over political stagnation, corruption, and economic disparity, igniting widespread protests across the country.
The Ministry of Health and Population reported that 284 people are currently undergoing treatment at 52 different hospitals across the country, while over 1,771 injured individuals have been treated and discharged.
The fatalities include 30 individuals killed by gunshots, while 21 others succumbed to burns, wounds, and other injuries. One Indian national and three police personnel are among the deceased.
The situation in Nepal remains volatile, with the international community closely monitoring the developments. As the country teeters on the brink of chaos, the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis has become increasingly urgent.
The talks between the government, protest representatives, and key stakeholders will play a crucial role in determining the future of Nepal’s politics and economy.
The protests in Nepal have sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, with Amnesty International strongly criticizing the government’s use of lethal force against protesters.
The organization has called for an independent investigation into the violence and accountability for those responsible.
Similarly, the International Federation for Human Rights and World Organisation Against Torture have also condemned the crackdown on peaceful protests, urging the government to halt all forms of violation and brutality against protesters.
The situation in Nepal remains volatile, with many protesters demanding not only the restoration of social media platforms but also broader governmental accountability and transparency.
The Gen Z-led protests have brought attention to the country’s struggles with corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement of public funds.
The protesters, largely comprising young people, have been vocal about their frustration with the government’s actions and have called for a generational shift in leadership.
The international community has been closely monitoring the developments in Nepal, with India issuing an advisory for its citizens to defer travel to Nepal until the situation stabilizes.
The Indian government has also tightened security along its border with Nepal, with alerts issued to state police and security forces to maintain strict vigilance.
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as a potential candidate to lead the interim government, with the Gen Z protesters endorsing her nomination.
Karki’s integrity and independence have earned her widespread support, and discussions are underway to determine the next steps in forming an interim government.
The Nepal Army has urged protesters to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue, with talks scheduled between protest representatives and the army in the presence of President Ram Chandra Paudel.