KATHMANDU – Nepal is facing its most violent political unrest in decades, with the army deployed in the capital to restore order after days of protests spiraled into arson, looting, and bloodshed.
The demonstrations began peacefully on September 9 as young people protested against corruption, nepotism, and a controversial social media ban. However, the situation turned deadly after police opened fire on protesters, leaving more than 20 people dead in just two days.
Prime Minister and President Resign
Amid mounting pressure, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli announced his resignation, followed shortly by the country’s president. Despite these high-profile departures, unrest continued across Kathmandu and other cities, with mobs setting fire to public buildings and vehicles.
Gen-Z Distances Itself From Violence
British broadcaster BBC reported that the Gen-Z activists who originally launched the movement have now distanced themselves from the escalating violence. “Our movement has been hijacked by opportunistic infiltrators,” one group declared, insisting that the protests were meant to remain peaceful.
Army Warns of Anarchist Infiltration
The Nepalese army has echoed these concerns, accusing “individuals and anarchist groups” of exploiting the protests to damage both private and government property. Soldiers are now patrolling key areas of the capital under an indefinite curfew.
Despite leadership resignations and heightened military presence, Nepal’s crisis shows no sign of abating, with many fearing that the original demands for accountability and reform have been overshadowed by chaos.
