Kathmandu: In a week full of violence, protests, and political turmoil, which forced KP Sharma Oli to resign as prime minister, a curfew was imposed again in Kathmandu as Nepal remained under nationwide restrictive orders after deadly 'Gen-Z' protests rocked the Himalayan nation.
In the capital, the Army ordered people to stay home after the military came out in force overnight to halt the deadly unrest that prompted the government's collapse as protesters set buildings on fire. According to authorities, at least 13,000 prisoners were set free from jails in all 77 districts of Nepal during the violent protests.
On September 10, representatives of the protesters met with military officials at the army headquarters in Kathmandu to discuss a transitional leader, with some of them pushing for Sushila Karki, a popular former chief justice, according to reports.
The demonstrations by thousands of protesters were sparked by a short-lived government ban on social media, drawing a police crackdown in which officers opened fire. The protests escalated with attacks on government buildings. The death toll had risen to 34, and more than 1,300 were injured, a Reuters report said, citing Nepal's health ministry.
Negotiations were set to take place between Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel, the Nepali Army chief Ashokraj Sigdel, and Gen Z youth representatives to decide the leadership of an interim government amid ongoing political upheaval.
India monitoring situation
Amid the ongoing turmoil, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has assured that Indians stranded in the neighboring country need not panic, as the Government of India is fully monitoring the situation.
Goyal said the Centre has already issued a helpline number and is in constant touch with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. “I spoke to our ambassador in Nepal. Our government has an excellent track record in evacuating Indians, even from the middle of wars. If any Indian faces a problem, the embassy is ready to help,” he said.
Many Indian nationals are reportedly returning home amid the unrest, and several flights to and from Kathmandu have been cancelled.
