Army Steps In to Restore Order Amid Escalating Protests in Nepal

KATHMANDU – On Wednesday, armed soldiers took to the streets of Nepal’s capital, enforcing a stay-at-home order as part of efforts to restore calm after large-scale protests led to government buildings being set on fire and attacks on politicians.

With soldiers stationed in key areas of Kathmandu, there was a slight return to order in a city that had been gripped by turmoil and violence over recent days.

Late Tuesday, the army announced its commitment to maintaining law and order. While it usually remains in reserves, the ineffectiveness of the police in controlling the situation necessitated the army’s involvement.

Soldiers ensured compliance with the curfew by stopping vehicles and checking individuals throughout Kathmandu. An army statement confirmed the arrest of 21 suspected looters.

The upheaval intensified on Tuesday with protesters setting afire to government buildings and homes of politicians, also assaulting several leaders. Although the prime minister resigned following mounting criticism of the political elite, this seemed to have little impact on the unrest.

As the day drew to a close, tens of thousands of demonstrators continued to block streets and invade government sites, while army helicopters were used to transport ministers to safe locations.

Anger over social media ban was just the beginning

On Monday, demonstrations led by young people angry about the blocking of several social media sites gripped the capital, and police opened fire on the crowds, killing 19 people.

The social media ban was lifted Tuesday, but the protests continued, fueled by rage over the deaths and accusations of political corruption.

President Ram Chandra Poudel, the ceremonial head of state, appealed to the protesters to pursue a peaceful resolution and stop further escalation. He accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and appointed Oli to lead a caretaker government until a new one is in place — though it was unclear what power he would wield or even where he was.

The demonstrations — called the protest of Gen Z — began after the government blocked social media platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, saying the companies had failed to register and submit to government oversight.

But the protests spiraled to reflect broader discontent. In particular, many young people are angry that the children of political leaders — so-called nepo kids — seem to enjoy luxury lifestyles and numerous advantages while most youth struggle to find work. With youth unemployment running at about 20% last year, according to the World Bank, the government estimates that more than 2,000 young people leave the country every day to seek work in the Middle East or Southeast Asia.

Political leaders, buildings and homes were targeted

Videos shared on social media showed protesters beating up Nepali Congress party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, the current foreign minister. Both appeared to be bleeding, while one video showed the party leader being helped to safety. The party is the country’s largest and is part of the governing coalition.

Smoke was still coming out of the parliament building, presidential house, the central secretariat that has the offices of the prime minister and key ministries, and the prime minister’s official residence Wednesday.

The building of Kantipur publication, the biggest media outlet in Nepal, was torched and damaged. Car showrooms were also torched. Burned-out vehicles dotted the streets.

Protesters had attacked government buildings and the residences of the top political leaders throughout Tuesday, blaming the government for the police opening fire on the protesters.

In addition to the 19 fatalities, scores of people were wounded. Oli has ordered an investigation report on the shootings and promised compensation to the families.

The government is seeking to regulate social media

The violence unfolded as Nepal’s government pursues a broader attempt to regulate social media with a bill aimed at ensuring the platforms are “properly managed, responsible and accountable.” The proposal has been widely criticized as a tool for censorship and for punishing government opponents who voice their protests online.

The bill would require companies to appoint a liaison office or a point of contact in the country. Rights groups have called it an attempt by the government to curb freedom of expression and fundamental rights.

The registration requirement applied to about two dozen social networks widely used in Nepal. Those that didn’t comply were blocked last week, though TikTok, Viber and three other platforms that registered were operating without interruption.