Gen-Z protests intensify across Nepal, protestors attack leaders' residences; PM Oli calls all-party meet
Kathmandu [Nepal], September 9 (HBTV): Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday called an all-party meeting in response to intensifying Gen-Z led nationwide protests against alleged corruption in the country.
‘I am in dialogue with the relevant parties to assess the situation and find a meaningful conclusion. For that, I have also called an all-party meeting at 6 pm today. I humbly request all brothers and sisters to remain calm in this difficult situation,’ Prime Minister Oli said in an appeal.
According to The Kathmandu Post, protesters targeted the residences of political leaders and ministers. They set fire to the house of Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, pelted stones at the residences of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel and Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel, and attacked the home of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
Protesters attempted to reach the residence of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha but were stopped. They also hurled stones at the residence of opposition leader and CPN-MC chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Demonstrations spread to the residences of chief ministers, provincial ministers, and leaders in several districts, despite enhanced security. In Kathmandu, protesters clashed with security personnel, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse them.
As reported by The Himalayan Press, the protests intensified across the country, causing widespread injuries and prompting curfews in multiple districts. In Kathmandu and Lalitpur, curfews were imposed in Bhaisepati, Sanepa, Chyasal, and central Kathmandu areas, restricting gatherings, protests, and movement without authorization.
In Kavrepalanchok, curfew began at 12.15 pm amid rising violence, while major highways were closed. In Koshi Province, Biratnagar and Morang saw restrictions from 11.00 am to 10.00 pm in areas covering Nepal Rastra Bank (East), Koshi Hospital Chowk (West), Roadshesh Chowk (North), and Jatuwa Chowk (South). Birgunj in Parsa imposed curfew from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm in its market zone, and in Makwanpur, protesters blocked the East-West Highway by burning tyres.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in Nepal to exercise caution and follow local guidelines. The ministry also expressed condolences over the deaths and injuries.
‘We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with families of deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured,’ the MEA stated.
‘As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address issues through peaceful means and dialogue. We have also taken note that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities of Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities,’ it added.
At least 19 people were killed and more than 200 were injured during the Gen-Z protests, initially triggered by a social media ban, which the government lifted late Monday night. However, demonstrations resumed on Tuesday, with agitators defying curfew orders.
Political fallout also continued. Nepal’s Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari resigned on Tuesday, condemning the government’s crackdown. Aligned with the Shekhar Koirala faction of the Nepali Congress, Adhikari said the response to the protests reflected authoritarianism. His resignation followed that of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who stepped down on Monday, taking moral responsibility for the government’s handling of the unrest.
(ANI)