Kathmandu, Nepal– The streets of Kathmandu have been witness to unprecedented violence and unrest as thousands of protesters took to the streets, demanding the government’s resignation and accountability for alleged corruption and nepotism.
The protests, triggered by a social media ban, have escalated into some of the most violent demonstrations in decades, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people and injuring hundreds.
In a bid to restore order, the Nepali army has been deployed to patrol the streets, and an indefinite curfew has been imposed in the capital.
The situation remains tense, with demonstrators setting fire to several government buildings, including the parliament, presidential house, and central secretariat.
Videos have emerged of protesters beating Nepali Congress party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, the foreign minister.
The protests are a culmination of widespread frustrations with alleged corruption, joblessness, and the government’s actions.
Many young people in Nepal are struggling with an unemployment rate of nearly 11 percent, according to the World Bank. Millions have migrated abroad to Malaysia, the Middle East, and South Korea to find jobs.
The protesters are also angry about the so-called “nepo kids” – children of top politicians and government officials who flaunt their luxurious lives on social media platforms.
Pabit Tandukar, a 22-year-old protester, was shot by live ammunition during the demonstrations. “We were there for a peaceful protest. They were initially firing tear gas at us, and we were pushing back. Suddenly, I was shot,” Tandukar told newsmen.
The use of lethal force by security forces has been condemned by human rights activists, who describe it as “reprehensible”.
The government has responded to the protests by lifting the social media ban and accepting the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who cited moral responsibility for the loss of lives during the demonstrations.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has also resigned, and President Ram Chandra Poudel has appointed him to lead a caretaker government. The president has appealed to protesters to “focus on resolving the crisis without further bloodshed or destruction”.
The international community is closely watching the situation, with concerns over regional stability.
Neighbouring China has urged its citizens in Nepal to “pay close attention to safety” and hopes that Kathmandu “can properly handle domestic issues and quickly restore social order and national stability”. The United Nations has expressed its readiness to assist Nepal in addressing the crisis.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Nepal Army has warned that vandalism will draw tough action. The army chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, has urged protesters to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
“During the protest, extensive damage has been incurred. To prevent further loss of properties and to maintain peace, security, and harmony, national unity and harmony are our common duty,” General Sigdel said in a recorded video statement.
The protests have also sparked concerns about the safety of Indian citizens in Nepal, with the Indian government issuing an advisory for its citizens to defer travel to Nepal until the situation stabilizes.
The India-Nepal border has been placed on high alert, and security forces have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.
In conclusion, the mass unrest in Nepal has led to a significant crisis, with the government’s resignation and the deployment of the army to quell the protests.
The situation remains volatile, and it remains to be seen how the crisis will unfold in the coming days.
