Kathmandu – In a sweeping and urgent move, the Nepal Army has imposed nationwide restrictive orders from Wednesday morning until 5 PM, followed by a curfew from 5 PM to 6 AM the following day, in a bid to prevent escalating violence in the wake of mass protests across the country.
The decision came after a tense and emotionally charged week, culminating in the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Tuesday. His resignation followed the deaths of at least 19 protesters, largely composed of Gen Z youth, during Monday’s violent clashes with police. The protests were sparked by growing anger over corruption and a government-imposed ban on social media, which was lifted Monday night but not before intensifying public outrage.
In an official statement, the Nepal Army warned the public that any act of vandalism, arson, attacks on individuals, or destruction of property during this sensitive period would be treated as criminal behavior and punished accordingly. The Army also cited looming threats of violent attacks, including sexual violence, as a key factor in enforcing these harsh yet necessary measures.
“Keeping in view the security situation of the country, restrictive orders and a curfew have been enforced,” the statement emphasized.
Despite the heavy restrictions, essential services will remain operational. This includes ambulances, fire services, health personnel, and security forces, who are permitted to operate under strict protocols throughout the curfew and restrictive periods.
The protests have taken a fiery turn, with government buildings, political party offices, and even residences of top leaders set ablaze. The level of destruction points to a nation in deep distress, grappling not only with political instability but also a crisis of public trust.
