Nepal Returns to Normalcy as Government Formation Process Under Watch
Three days after violent protests shook the nation, Nepal is gradually returning to normalcy with heavy security deployment and cautious optimism among the populace. However, the process of government formation remains the key focus, as citizens look to political stability for lasting peace.
The recent unrest in Nepal, largely driven by the youth-led “Gen Z" movement, erupted over demands for political reform and accountability. Protesters accused political leaders of inaction, corruption, and a disconnect from the people’s concerns. The protests quickly escalated, turning violent, leading to mass prison breakouts, damage to public and private property, and a paralysis of normal life in many parts of the country. To restore order, the government deployed the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, enforcing strict security measures across affected regions.
Currently, night-time curfews are strictly enforced, with heavy deployment of military personnel across major urban areas. During the daytime, prohibitory orders are in place, allowing individuals to move about but banning public gatherings. Main streets remain largely deserted, although some private vehicles are seen on the roads. Public transportation remains suspended.
Banks and small markets, especially in inner city areas, have cautiously reopened, but major business houses and offices remain closed. Government offices, including Nepal Police headquarters, are slowly resuming operations. The police have urged the public to submit photos, videos, and any proof of individuals involved in the recent violent acts. More than 11,000 inmates who escaped during the chaos are still at large. Authorities have called on them to return voluntarily, and security forces have begun arrest operations targeting escaped prisoners.
Despite signs of recovery, fear lingers. "There are still fears that mobs could attack again. It would be a huge relief if a new government is formed soon," said Kishwor Tamang, a shopkeeper in Kathmandu. In the wake of the crisis, the nation’s attention has shifted toward forming a new government. President Ram Chandra Poudel has taken the initiative, holding consultations with representatives of the Gen Z movement, leaders of major political parties, and constitutional experts.
A key debate centers around the potential appointment of Sushila Karki as the new Prime Minister. While one faction of the Gen Z protesters supports Karki—a former Chief Justice known for her integrity—others oppose her candidacy. Furthermore, the 2015 Constitution bars non-members of Parliament from holding the prime ministerial post, posing a constitutional hurdle. Initially, the Nepal Army facilitated early discussions for government formation. Now, President Poudel is taking the lead amid rising pressure from political parties to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions.
The private sector, which suffered major losses due to vandalism and disruption, is slowly regaining its footing. Business leaders have expressed determination to rebuild despite the challenges ahead. However, the tourism industry has taken a severe blow. Several hotels were targeted during the unrest, and the perception of instability is expected to significantly reduce tourist inflow in the short term. As the country cautiously recovers, all eyes are on the nation’s leaders to form a stable and inclusive government that can restore public confidence and chart a path toward lasting peace and economic revival.
NA urges all not to believe in fake news
The Nepal Army has urged all not to believe in misleading and fake news.
Issuing a press release today, the Directorate of the Public Relations and Information of the NA urged this, saying different types of criticism, opinion and analysis have been made involving the NA in this current situation.
It shared that the NA has been making public its opinion and activities continuously through press releases, press notes and official social networking sites.
The Directorate also mentioned that coordination could be made with the Directorate as well as then Army Headquarters in local levels to exchange army-related information.
One can contact at mobile number 9852081704 for Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Morang, Sunsari, Khotang, Udayapur, Solukhumbu and Okhaldhunga), at mobile number 9854020772 for Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Sindhuli, Ramechhap and Dolakha, at mobile number 9863028884 for Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Makawanpur, Dhading and Chitwan and at mobile number 9856011439 for Gorkha, Tanahu, Syangja, Parbat, Kaski, Manang, Lamjung, Baglung, Myagdi and Mustang for this.
Similarly, coordination could be made by dialing mobile number 9863029137 for Nawalparasi East, Nawalparsi West, Rupandehi, Palpa, Kapilvastu, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Dang, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Salyan, Rukum East and Rukum West, at mobile number 9863029177 for Banke, Bardiya, Surkhet, Dailekh, Jajrkot, Kalikot, Jumla, Dolpa, Mugu and Humla, at 9762306561 for Kailali, Kanchanpur, Dadeldhura, Doti, Achham, Bajura, Baitadi, Darchula and Bajhang and at mobile number 9860113622 for Kathmandu, Bhaktaour, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchowk and Sindhupalchowk, reads the press release.
Public buses start operating their services from New Bus Park
Public buses have started operating their services from Gongabu-based New Bus Park from today.
Public transport service, which was closed after the government issued prohibitory orders and curfew in the aftermath of the Gen Z protest launched on September 8 and 9, has been resumed gradually from today.
Human Resources Chief of Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt Ltd Pankaj Malla said dozens of public vehicles have left Kathmandu Valley between 7 am and 10 am today.
Earlier, issuing a press release Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, an umbrella organization of transport entrepreneurs, had directed the transport operator organizations not to operate their service in recent circumstances.
The vehicles have left the Kathmandu Valley on their own.
Senior President of the Federation Saroj Sitaula shared that coordination with security bodies and ministry was underway regarding how to operate transport service in an institutional manner in coming days.
Some places likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said that the low pressure trough of the monsoon is currently situated around the average position.
The weather according to the Department will generally be cloudy across the country today. This afternoon, there is a possibility of moderate rainfall in the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki Provinces, as well as in some places of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim Provinces, and a few locations in the remaining areas.
Additionally, there is a chance of heavy rainfall in one or two places of the hilly regions of Koshi and Gandaki Provinces, and the hilly and Terai regions of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim Provinces.
The weather will generally remain cloudy across the country tonight.
Moderate rainfall is likely to take place in some areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, as well as in a few locations in the remaining hills and Tarai regions.
Heavy rainfall is predicted in one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces.
