The Nepal Army ramps up the security, with heavy patrolling on the streets to deter protesters from causing arson. Image : Netram Defence Review shared via X.
(The Post News)– The Nepal Army has announced the imposition of prohibitory orders and a continuation of the nationwide curfew. According to a statement by the Directorate of Public Relations and Information, the prohibitory orders will remain in effect until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, followed by a nationwide curfew.
This comes after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid Nepal’s worst unrest in decades, as public anger mounts over the deaths of 19 anti-corruption protesters in clashes with police on Monday. On Tuesday, crowds set fire to parliament in the capital, Kathmandu, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Government buildings and the houses of political leaders were attacked around the country.
Three more deaths were reported. Amid the chaos, jail officials said 900 inmates managed to escape from two prisons in Nepal’s western districts. The demonstrations were sparked by a ban on social media platforms and were lifted on Monday—but by then protests had swelled into a mass movement. Nepal’s army chief issued a statement late on Tuesday accusing demonstrators of taking advantage of the current crisis by damaging, looting, and setting fire to public and private property.
Nepal Prime Minister Steps Down with No Clear Replacement or Way Forward
While the prime minister has stepped down, it’s not clear who will replace him—or what happens next, with seemingly no one in charge. Some leaders, including ministers, have reportedly taken refuge with the security forces, BBC reported. So far, the protesters have not spelled out their demands apart from rallying under the broader anti-corruption call. The protests appear spontaneous, with no organized leadership.
Inside parliament, there were jubilant scenes as hundreds of protesters danced and chanted slogans around a fire at the entrance to the building, many holding Nepal’s flag. The protesters sprayed and painted anti-government messages on the exterior. Some entered inside the building, where all the windows had been smashed.
In a joint statement by the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America in Nepal, it was said, “We are deeply saddened by the violence seen in Kathmandu and elsewhere in Nepal, including the tragic loss of life and injury during demonstrations. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected, and we wish those injured a swift and full recovery.”
“Our governments reaffirm our strong support for the universal rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation, and ensure that these fundamental rights are protected.”
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