Mass anti-corruption protests in Nepal have exploded into violence, with crowds storming central Kathmandu and setting key government buildings on fire. The unrest has left dozens dead and more than 500 injured, including over 100 police officers, plunging the Himalayan nation into its worst political crises in years.
The demonstrations, led mainly by people in their late teens and early 20s, erupted on Monday after the government banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X. Although the ban was lifted the following day, violence on the streets has only grown.
Protesters torched the historic Singha Durbar Palace, which houses Nepal’s ministries and key offices. The parliament building was also set on fire, while the Supreme Court, the ruling party headquarters, and politicians’ homes also came under attack.
Under mounting pressure, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and several ministers have resigned. With security forces struggling to restore order, the army has been deployed to the capital, with curfews imposed in parts of the city.
01:01 GMT
President Ramchandra Paudel on Tuesday appealed for restraint and unity as protests spread across the capital, targeting government institutions and private residences.
“I urge everyone, including the protesting citizens, to cooperate for a peaceful resolution of the country’s difficult situation,” Paudel said in a statement released earlier in the day.
“I appeal to all parties to exercise restraint, to not allow further damage to the country, and to come to talks,” the statement added. The president’s appeal came amid reports that rioters had set fire to his office, the parliament building, and several politicians’ homes.
- 00:17 GMT
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu has been shut down indefinitely amid the ongoing protests across the capital and surrounding areas. Authorities cited repeated fire incidents in Gothatar and worsening aviation security conditions as reasons for the closure. The Nepal Army has been deployed to secure the airport premises.
According to reports, international departures were halted around 12:45pm after smoke was observed near Koteshwar, while domestic carriers, including Buddha Air, suspended services citing safety concerns. Airport officials confirmed that crew movements have also been disrupted as protestors blocked traffic routes to TIA. Earlier in the day, four flights from Delhi – two by IndiGo and two by Air India – landed in Kathmandu before operations were suspended.
22:23 GMT
Footage circulating online shows a massive blaze engulfing Nepal’s Singha Durbar Palace in central Kathmandu, the country’s main administrative complex, after violent protests swept the Himalayan nation’s capital. The palace, built in 1908, serves as the seat of Nepal’s government, hosting several ministries, and other key institutions.
Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel has appealed to protesters to resolve their grievances through dialogue, as troops were deployed across the country to restore order.
“During the protest, extensive damage has been incurred. To prevent further loss of properties and to maintain peace, security, and harmony, national unity and harmony are our common duty,” Sigdel said in a recorded video message, as cited by ANI.
Sigdel expressed sorrow over the loss of life during the demonstrations, offering condolences to affected families and wishing recovery for the injured. He stressed that protecting citizens, public and private property, and national heritage was a shared duty, calling on Nepalis to uphold unity, patriotism, and social harmony.
No comments:
Post a Comment