The Nepal Army took charge of national security from 10 pm on Tuesday following days of violent anti-government protests that forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to step down. The unrest has left at least 19 people dead and more than 300 others injured.
In a joint appeal, the chiefs of the Army, police and other security agencies urged demonstrators to hold back. “A peaceful resolution through dialogue is the only way to restore order and stability,” their statement said.
The decision came after protesters stormed and set fire to state institutions, including the Parliament, the Singha Durbar complex, the Supreme Court, political party offices, and residences of senior leaders. Despite curfews and heavy police presence, the youth-driven movement intensified its marches across the country.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Army issued an appeal for calm. “Nepal Army is always committed to protect the interests and security of Nepalese people, and keeping the latest developments in mind, we express our commitment towards protecting the life and property of the people,” the statement read. “We request all the youths and the entire countrymen to remain calm and maintain social harmony and national unity so that the present situation doesn’t deteriorate further.”
Prime Minister Oli, resigned after hundreds of protestors entered his office demanding his removal over the police crackdown and his government’s alleged failure to act against corruption. In his resignation letter to President Ramchandra Paudel, he cited “extraordinary circumstances” as the reason for his departure.
The protests were initially sparked by a government order banning 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and X. Although the restrictions were revoked late on Monday, the demonstrations broadened into a wider movement targeting corruption, unemployment and governance failures. In Kathmandu and other cities, students chanted slogans such as “Don’t kill students” and “Take action against corrupt leaders.”
Residences of several political figures were attacked, including those of President Paudel, former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Sher Bahadur Deuba, Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak. Witnesses reported tyre burnings, road blockades, stone-pelting and widespread arson across Kathmandu and Lalitpur.
The student-led agitation has drawn strength from social media platforms, with organisers using Reddit, Instagram and other channels to expose what they allege are the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ families funded through corruption.
