Nepal plunged into political turmoil after mass protests led by Gen-Z demonstrators brought down the government. The unrest, fueled by anger over corruption and a social media ban, turned violent, leaving several young protesters dead and causing widespread destruction.
As violence escalated, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President Ram Chandra Poudel stepped down. The Nepal Army then assumed control to restore order, with its chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, making a public appeal for calm.
Army Chief Calls for Dialogue
In a televised message, General Sigdel urged protesters to halt demonstrations and engage in talks. “It is the shared duty of all to normalise the current difficult situation and safeguard the supreme interests of the nation. I therefore request the suspension of protest programs and urge parties to take the path of dialogue,” he said.
Sigdel stressed that unity and peace were vital during this crisis. He reaffirmed the army’s loyalty to the nation, saying, “As history has witnessed, the Nepal Army remains committed to the country’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and the safety of its people."
To maintain order, the army announced that it would patrol Kathmandu’s streets from 10 pm. This decision came after reports of jailbreaks, looting, and arson across the capital.
Gen-Z Protest Leaders to Decide Next Move
The protest leaders, including Sudan Gurun, are scheduled to meet today to plan their next steps. Their movement gained momentum after police tried to crush initial rallies, resulting in multiple deaths.
The demonstrations began earlier this week, with protesters demanding the immediate removal of the social media ban and stronger action against corruption.
President Appeals for Peace
President Poudel’s office was among the buildings attacked and set on fire by mobs before his resignation. In his final address, he urged citizens to stay calm and avoid further destruction.
He said, “Since the demands raised by citizens in a democracy can be resolved through dialogue and discussion including representatives of Gen-Z, I appeal to all parties to be restrained, not to cause further damage to the country, and to come to the negotiating table.”
The Road Ahead
Nepal now faces an uncertain future as the army temporarily leads the nation. Talks between protest leaders and the military are expected soon. The outcome will determine whether the country returns to civilian rule or faces prolonged military control.