A tense calm returned briefly to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, on Thursday evening before the military swiftly reimposed a citywide curfew. The move came just two hours after restrictions were relaxed between 5 pm and 7 pm, underscoring the volatility that has gripped the Himalayan nation since the outbreak of the so-called “Gen-Z protests” earlier this week.
The Nepalese Army has ordered residents to remain indoors after deploying in force overnight to suppress the unrest, which saw government buildings set ablaze and ultimately triggered the collapse of the administration.
Authorities confirmed that at least 13,000 prisoners were freed from jails across all 77 districts of Nepal during the chaos, further complicating the fragile security situation.
Push for Interim Leadership
On Wednesday, protest leaders held talks with military officials at army headquarters in Kathmandu. Discussions reportedly focused on the appointment of a transitional leader, with some delegates backing Sushila Karki, Nepal’s respected former Chief Justice, as a possible figurehead.
Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-engineer who enjoys strong youth support, appealed to demonstrators to remain calm and wait for the establishment of an interim government.
Timeline of the Protests
- Monday: Protests erupt after a government ban on social media. Police respond with live ammunition.
- Tuesday: Demonstrations intensify; protesters torch government offices.
- Wednesday: Death toll climbs to 25, with over 633 people injured, according to the Health Ministry. Talks begin between protest representatives and the army.
- Thursday: Nationwide curfews remain in force. Kathmandu sees a brief two-hour reprieve before restrictions are reinstated.
Growing Uncertainty
The demonstrations, driven largely by young people frustrated with corruption and restrictions on freedoms, have rapidly evolved into one of Nepal’s most serious political crises in recent memory. With the central government collapsed, the Army now wields significant influence over the transition process.
Observers warn that unless a credible interim leadership emerges soon, unrest could deepen, threatening the country’s fragile democracy.
Stay tuned for LIVE updates on the Nepal Gen-Z Protests.