Armed soldiers yesterday guarded Nepal’s parliament, amid streets deserted after an indefinite curfew was clamped on the capital, Kathmandu, following two days of deadly anti-graft protests that spurred Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli to resign.
The worst upheaval in decades in the Himalayan nation was unleashed by a social media ban announced last week, but rolled back after 19 people died on Monday as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to control crowds.
Burnt vehicles and twisted metal heaps littered the area around parliament, where army firefighters battled to douse a blaze in the main hall, while the exterior was charred after angry protesters set it ablaze on Tuesday.
Photo: EPA
“We are trying to normalize the situation first,” army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said. “We are committed to protect the life and property of people.”
Armored vehicles kept vigil in deserted streets, with shops and markets shut.
Several other government buildings, from the supreme court to ministers’ homes, including Oli’s private residence, were also set ablaze in Tuesday’s protests, with the unrest subsiding only after the resignation.
Photo: EPA
Flights were disrupted, with the main airport in Kathmandu shut until 6pm, an airport spokesperson said.
In an appeal on social media, the army said prohibitory orders would stay until this morning, adding that relevant parties were coordinating to tackle the situation after the protest 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.
Former Nepalese Supreme Court judge Balaram K.C. urged the protesters to set up a negotiation team, with the army helping to maintain law and order, and called for fresh elections.
“Parliament should be dissolved and fresh elections held,” the constitutional expert said. “They should discuss forming the next caretaker government.”
Most of the protesters were young people voicing frustration at the government’s perceived failure to fight corruption and boost economic opportunities.
For years a lack of jobs has driven millions to seek work in Malaysia, the Middle East and South Korea, mainly on construction sites, to send money home.
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