KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Armed soldiers guarded the streets of Nepal’s capital Wednesday, ordering people to stay home in an attempt to restore order after tens of thousands of protesters stormed and set fire to government buildings and attacked politicians.
Soldiers with weapons guarding the main areas of Kathmandu appeared to give some sense of control returning to a city overtaken by violence. The army issued a warning late Tuesday, emphasizing their commitment to law and order, as police struggled to keep the situation in check.
Reports indicate that soldiers enforced the curfew rigorously, checking vehicles and detaining at least 21 suspected looters. The demonstrations escalated Tuesday with protesters lighting fires at government properties and targeting politicians, following the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli amid mounting anger.
The protests began in response to the government's brief ban on social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, which was lifted only after demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in 19 fatalities. Young protesters, termed the Protest of Gen Z, expressed their frustrations over youth unemployment and the perceived privilege of political elites.
In a desperate attempt to control the unrest, helicopters relocated ministers to safety, while protesters continued to block roads late into the night. President Ram Chandra Poudel urged for peaceful resolution, yet skepticism about the effectiveness of his appeal remains high.
Videos emerged showing serious confrontations with political leaders of the ruling coalition, leading to increased tensions. The police's violent response to protests marked a critical turning point, intensifying calls for accountability and leading to violent outbreaks despite the social media ban being lifted.
The government is pushing for strict regulations of social media platforms, an initiative criticized as a means to silence dissent and reassert control over public discourse. Rights groups argue that such measures threaten fundamental freedoms, as many young individuals seek alternative opportunities abroad amid the rising tide of frustration at home.
