Soldiers guard Nepal's parliament, patrol streets after two days of deadly protests
Soldiers guarded Nepal's parliament and patrolled deserted streets on Wednesday with the capital Kathmandu under a curfew, after two days of deadly anti-corruption protests forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign, Reuters reported.
The upheaval in the poor Himalayan nation was unleashed by a social media ban that was announced last week, but was rolled back after 19 people were killed on Monday as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to control crowds.
The death toll from the protests had risen to 25 by Wednesday, Nepal's health ministry said, while 633 were injured.
Nepal's army said that relevant parties were coordinating to tackle the situation after the protests and resolve the issue. Media also said preparations were being made for authorities and protesters to hold talks, without giving details. Reuters could not independently confirm the information, according to Reuters.
“All parties should present themselves with restraint and unity to take the country towards peace”
Nepali Congress General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have welcomed the initiative taken by the President to find a way out of the current difficult situation through talks and dialogue.
In a joint statement today, they have urged all parties to seek a solution through dialogue after necessary consultations, while appealing to the general public, civil society, the media, and the international community at all levels to support the efforts and dialogue being made by all security agencies, including the Nepal Army, from their respective positions to maintain law and order in the country.
They have mentioned that it is necessary for all parties to present themselves with restraint and unity to move the country forward towards peace and reconstruction after the events that took place in the past two days. They have emphasized the need for everyone to be serious about the important responsibility of ensuring the path of the democratic system in a new way for the country's prosperity and beautiful future.
“This initiative should come to a conclusion in accordance with the spirit of Gen Z, and in doing so, we would like to remind you that decisions made in accordance with the principle of necessity can and should be taken forward through the legal path in accordance with the Constitution,” the statement reads.
The General Secretaries have said all possible legal measures should be adopted to prevent a long constitutional vacuum and void in the country, and a roadmap should be set to end this situation by seeking a solution through the Constitution and democratic means.
They have drawn attention to the serious crime committed through excessive use of force on Monday's protest day by conducting a thorough investigation through a high-level commission and bringing the culprits to justice.
Stating that the arson committed in several government offices, media houses, commercial establishments, etc. is extremely sad and condemnable, they have said that this destruction was carried out in a planned manner by those who deliberately infiltrated the movement beyond the sentiments and declarations of the Gen Z protesters.
They have also committed themselves to completely reconstructing the Nepali Congress from the ground up as a party that engages in responsible politics in line with the aspirations and expectations of the youth.
President Paudel appeals to all sides including Gen Z for dialogue
President Ram Chandra Paudel has sought cooperation from all sides including the agitators and citizens to ensure a peaceful solution of the adverse situation.
Issuing a press statement this evening, President Paudel appealed to the Gen Z representatives and all others to hold talks on the demands raised by the citizens in a democracy for a peaceful resolution. He also urged all sides to maintain restraint.
The Head of the State reminded that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation from the post was endorsed. "In such adverse situations, I believe all sides will extend support to address the problems, and love the country, people and democracy," he mentioned.
RSP President Lamichhane released from Nakkhu Jail
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane was released today from Nakkhu Jail in Lalitpur.
Jail Chief Satyaraj Joshi said Lamichhane was released to help maintain order and prevent the situation from escalating, after a large number of protesters gathered to picket the prison.
The former Home Minister had been in custody in connection with a cooperative fraud case.



