Kathmandu, September 10 — Soldiers patrolled streets across Nepal on Wednesday as the army imposed restrictive orders and a nationwide curfew, seeking to restore order after violent protests forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign. The Himalayan nation showed signs of calm a day after agitators torched government offices, political party headquarters, and homes of senior leaders.
The Nepal Army took over security duties on Tuesday night following widespread arson and vandalism. In a statement, the army said restrictions were “necessitated to curb incidents of looting, arson, and other destructive activities under the guise of agitation.” It warned that demonstrations, vandalism, and attacks on individuals or property would be treated as criminal acts.
By Wednesday, Kathmandu’s normally busy streets were deserted, with residents ordered to stay indoors. Soldiers guarded intersections, and fire brigades doused smoldering buildings. No fresh incidents of violence were reported. Only essential vehicles — ambulances, fire engines, health services, and security personnel — were allowed to move during the curfew, which remains in force until 6 a.m. Thursday.
The death toll from two days of protests has risen to 30, the Ministry of Health and Population said. At least 1,061 people were injured, of whom 719 have been discharged from hospitals and 274 remain admitted. Five juvenile inmates also died in clashes with security personnel at a jail in western Nepal. Media reports said more than 7,000 prisoners escaped nationwide during the chaos, taking advantage of distracted guards.
According to MyRepublica, escapes occurred at multiple prisons, including Dillibazar Jail in Kathmandu (1,100 inmates), Chitwan (700), Nakkhu (1,200), Jhumpka in Sunsari (1,575), Kanchanpur (450), Kailali (612), Jaleshwar (576), Kaski (773), Dang (124), Jumla (36), Solukhumbu (86), Gaur (260), and Bajhang (65).
Amid the unrest, the army appealed to citizens to return any guns or ammunition looted during the agitation, warning that weapons could be misused. “Please inform the authorities and return them at the earliest,” the statement said. Citizens were also cautioned not to wear army uniforms, which is illegal. Security forces arrested 27 people accused of looting and vandalism in Kathmandu.
Political uncertainty deepened after Oli’s resignation Tuesday, hours after protesters stormed his office demanding he quit over corruption allegations and a controversial social media ban. President Ram Chandra Poudel confirmed that Oli’s cabinet would continue as caretaker until a new Council of Ministers is formed. Oli’s whereabouts were not known as of Wednesday.
Talks are under way to form an interim government. The protesting “Gen Z” group, which spearheaded the demonstrations, is considering several names, including former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, and former electricity board chief Kulman Ghising, sources said. Karki is Nepal’s only woman to have served as chief justice.
The Nepali Congress signaled readiness to cooperate with the group. General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma said in a joint statement that any transition must be constitutional. “Lawlessness only leads to further chaos. We urge the President and the Gen Z representatives to ensure that a new political structure is formed without creating a prolonged vacuum,” they said.
Normalcy began to return late Wednesday when Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu reopened, nearly 24 hours after shutting down due to the violence. Management urged passengers to re-confirm their flights with airlines as both domestic and international services resumed. The army also appealed to hotels and tourism operators to assist stranded foreign nationals.
International concern has mounted. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “closely following the situation” and was “deeply saddened by the loss of life.” He urged Nepal’s authorities to investigate the deaths, comply with human rights law, and resolve the crisis through dialogue.
