Nepal's army has deployed patrols on the streets of Kathmandu, as the Himalayan nation reels from its worst unrest in decades. Fierce protests against corruption and nepotism spiralled further on Tuesday into arson and violence. The prime minister resigned as politicians' homes were vandalised, government buildings were set ablaze and parliament was stormed and torched. But the 'Gen Z' groups spearheading the protests have distanced themselves from the destruction, saying the movement has been 'hijacked by 'opportunist' infiltrators.
On Wednesday the streets of the capital appeared calm, but smoke was still rising from burning buildings and charred vehicles lay on roads. Nationwide curfews are in place until Thursday morning, the army has said, warning of punishment for anyone involved in violence and vandalism. Twenty-seven people have been arrested for their involvement in violence and lootings and 31 firearms have been found, it added.
The military is attempting to control a volatile situation as PM KP Sharma Oli's resignation leaves a leadership vacuum. His government's abortive attempt to ban social media triggered demonstrations that saw 19 protesters killed in clashes with police on Monday, a number that has since risen to over 20. Many protesters are worried that the movement has been co-opted by 'infiltrators.'
'Our intent has never been to disrupt daily life or to allow others to misuse our peaceful initiative,' said the Gen Z protesters in a statement. They expressed disappointment over the recent rise in violence and clarified that their movement aims for accountability and an end to corruption. The demonstrations have drawn attention to the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children and the broader discontent with Nepal's political elite. As protests intensify, their demand remains clear: a government led by competent and non-corrupt individuals.
On Wednesday the streets of the capital appeared calm, but smoke was still rising from burning buildings and charred vehicles lay on roads. Nationwide curfews are in place until Thursday morning, the army has said, warning of punishment for anyone involved in violence and vandalism. Twenty-seven people have been arrested for their involvement in violence and lootings and 31 firearms have been found, it added.
The military is attempting to control a volatile situation as PM KP Sharma Oli's resignation leaves a leadership vacuum. His government's abortive attempt to ban social media triggered demonstrations that saw 19 protesters killed in clashes with police on Monday, a number that has since risen to over 20. Many protesters are worried that the movement has been co-opted by 'infiltrators.'
'Our intent has never been to disrupt daily life or to allow others to misuse our peaceful initiative,' said the Gen Z protesters in a statement. They expressed disappointment over the recent rise in violence and clarified that their movement aims for accountability and an end to corruption. The demonstrations have drawn attention to the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children and the broader discontent with Nepal's political elite. As protests intensify, their demand remains clear: a government led by competent and non-corrupt individuals.
