Nepal on edge: Army patrols streets amid curfew

Kathmandu is under tight security as the Nepali Army patrols its streets amid a curfew following two days of deadly unrest that brought down Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. At least 19 people were killed on Monday after security forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators who had risen up against corruption, unemployment, and a controversial social media ban.

The protests reached their peak on Tuesday, when angry crowds set fire to the parliament building, the Supreme Court, ministers’ homes, and Oli’s private residence. Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, died after suffering severe burn injuries when their residence in Dallu was set on fire..The lower house spokesperson, Ekram Giri, said the parliament complex was completely destroyed. Burnt vehicles, twisted metal, and charred government offices now stand as reminders of the turmoil.

To regain control, soldiers and armored vehicles now line Kathmandu’s empty streets, while shops, schools, and markets remain shut. The main airport was closed until Wednesday evening, disrupting flights in and out of the capital. Fires were reported in multiple places, including Kathmandu’s central jail, where prisoners rioted before security forces regained control.

The army has said prohibitory orders will remain until Thursday, with all parties urged to cooperate to restore peace. Calls for dialogue have grown, with a former Supreme Court judge suggesting that parliament should be dissolved and fresh elections held under a caretaker government.

Most protesters were young Nepalis frustrated by the lack of jobs and opportunities at home. Millions already leave every year for work in countries like Malaysia and the Middle East. Many of the demonstrators see the protests as a fight for their future. “If shedding blood is good for our future, then it was right for me to participate,” said 20-year-old Suman Rai, speaking from a hospital bed after being injured in clashes.

The crisis is being closely watched by India and China, Nepal’s powerful neighbors. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for peace, calling Nepal’s stability “of utmost importance,” while China’s foreign ministry said it hoped order would be restored quickly.

Nepal, wedged between the two Asian giants, has struggled with political instability since abolishing its monarchy in 2008. Now, Oli’s resignation and the fiery protests leave the Himalayan nation at another crossroads, with its young generation demanding change.