Armed soldiers surrounded Nepal’s parliament on Wednesday as Nepal protests plunged the capital into chaos. Kathmandu’s streets lay empty under an indefinite curfew, imposed after two days of violent anti-graft demonstrations forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to step down.
The turmoil, described as the worst in decades, began when the government announced a social media ban last week. The order was later withdrawn, but not before violence erupted. On Monday, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, leaving 19 people dead.
By Tuesday, furious demonstrators set fire to parliament. Flames tore through the main hall while army firefighters battled to control the blaze. The exterior of the building was left charred, and burnt vehicles and twisted metal lay scattered across the compound.
Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said, “We are trying to normalise the situation first. We are committed to protecting the life and property of people.” Armoured vehicles patrolled streets that were otherwise deserted, with shops and markets closed.
The unrest was not limited to parliament. Protesters torched several other state buildings, including the Supreme Court, ministerial residences, and Oli’s private home. Calm returned only after the prime minister’s resignation.
In Kathmandu, soldiers worked to clear debris near the Singha Durbar office complex. Flights were also disrupted, with the capital’s airport shut until 6 p.m., according to officials.
Efforts are now underway to ease the crisis. The army announced on X that curfew orders would remain in place until Thursday morning. Authorities and demonstrators were said to be preparing for talks, though details were unclear.
Former Supreme Court judge Balaram K.C. urged protesters to form a negotiation team. He also called for parliament to be dissolved and fresh elections to be held under a caretaker government.
Images showed charred police vehicles inside the parliament grounds, blackened after the angry crowds set them ablaze. Most of those protesting were young citizens. They accused leaders of failing to curb corruption and provide job opportunities.
For years, a shortage of work has forced millions of Nepalis abroad, mainly to Malaysia, the Middle East, and South Korea. Many labor on construction sites, sending money back home to sustain families.
Wedged between India and China, Nepal has faced political turmoil and economic instability since the monarchy was abolished in 2008. Concern also spread beyond its borders.
India’s security cabinet met late Tuesday to assess the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi later posted on X, saying, “Nepal’s stability, peace, and prosperity are of utmost importance. I humbly appeal to all my brothers and sisters in Nepal to maintain peace and order.”
The Nepal protests have now drawn global attention, with the crisis highlighting deep frustration among citizens and the fragile state of the country’s democracy.
