Nepal Army extends curfew in Kathmandu, 2 other districts as Gen Z protesters discuss interim govt formation

The Nepal Army, which assumed control of security operations following Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation amid Gen Z protest violence, Thursday extended the ongoing curfew in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur until 6 am tomorrow.

In an official statement, the Nepal Army said:“The prohibitory order and curfew have been extended in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts until 6 am tomorrow.”

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However, essential services and institutions have been allowed to operate during the curfew hours.

Moreover, daily necessities will be available from 6-9 in the morning and 5-7 in the evening.

“To make people’s lives easier, we request that daily necessities be available from 6 am to 9 am and from 5 pm to 7 pm on Bhadra 26, but we urge you to work in small groups, the Nepali Army said.

Nepal has been reeling under a wave of violent Gen Z protests since the start of this week over allegations of rampant corruption and the imposition of a social media ban.

The protests turned violent on Monday when clashes between police and demonstrators escalated. Outnumbered by the crowd, police reportedly opened fire, resulting in the deaths of 19 protesters.

The death of 19 protesters in police firing triggered widespread chaos across the country as protesters rampaged through the streets of the capital, Kathmandu, and several other cities, setting on fire the Parliament building and the residences of political leaders, including the President, the Prime Minister, and Ministers, as well as some private properties.

Following the escalation, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, prompting the Nepal Army to take over security operations to restore order.

On Wednesday, Gen Z protesters held a marathon meeting to discuss the formation of an interim government. They unanimously chose former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead the interim government.

Speaking to The Statesman, Ms Karki confirmed that she has agreed to lead the transition government on request from Gen Z protesters.

“These are demanding times. If this is what the people want, I am ready to take charge of the interim government,” she said.

Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, who was also being considered among the frontrunners, also extended his support behind Karki’s leadership.

According to sources, Karki and Gen Z representatives are scheduled to meet Nepali Army leadership soon to finalize discussions around the interim government’s formation.