The Nepal Army took control of security operations nationwide after violent anti-government protests over a social media ban and corruption allegations left at least 19 people dead in Kathmandu. Tribhuvan International Airport remains closed, impacting flights and travel. Soldiers patrolled the streets of Kathmandu on Wednesday as an indefinite curfew remained in place across the capital.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid escalating unrest, but his current whereabouts remain unconfirmed. Tragedy struck when the wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal died after her house in Kathmandu was set on fire by protesters, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
Nepal Army Takes Control Amid Deadly Protests and Airport Shutdown
On Tuesday night, the Nepal Army formally assumed responsibility for security across the country following days of escalating violence during protests initially sparked by a government ban on over two dozen social media platforms. The army moved swiftly to secure vital infrastructure, including Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, which remains shut as airlines such as IndiGo and Air India suspended flights citing safety concerns.
The protests have targeted government offices, political residences, and public symbols, including the burning of the parliament building. Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel appealed for calm and dialogue, urging all parties to prioritise peace.
Background: Social Media Ban and Corruption Concerns Trigger Mass Mobilisation
The unrest began after the government restricted popular social media platforms citing regulatory registration issues, which activists and citizens viewed as censorship. Though the ban was lifted, widespread anger over political corruption, nepotism, and lack of accountability surged, particularly among the youth-led movement known as Gen Z protests.
Police used water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators, resulting in 19 deaths and hundreds injured. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned under mounting pressure but failed to calm the protests, which continued to spread across the country.
Ex-PM Jhalanath Khanal’s Wife Dies
The protests took a devastating personal toll when the wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal died after her house in Kathmandu was attacked and set on fire by the demonstrators. This incident underscores the growing intensity and personal impact of the unrest, as political figures and their families have become targets amid widespread public distrust and anger. Several other politicians’ residences and party offices were also vandalised or torched in Kathmandu, exacerbating the security concerns and political instability.
A video circulating widely on social media shows protesters chasing Nepal’s Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel through the narrow streets of Kathmandu. The footage captures a large crowd pursuing him, with Paudel desperately trying to flee for his safety. At one point, a person from the opposite direction kicks him, causing him to fall to the ground. The mob then catches up and severely thrashes him in the middle of the street amid ongoing mass protests.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian calls for measured responses rooted in peaceful dialogue, empathy, and the protection of democratic values. The expressed grievances of the Nepalese people over governance and accountability are legitimate and must be addressed constructively.
However, violence that jeopardises lives and property undermines the very foundations of society and democracy. It is imperative for Nepal’s leaders, civil society, and protestors to come together to forge a path forward that honours justice while healing deep divisions.
