Violence erupted in Kathmandu, Nepal, as clashes between security forces and protesters led to unprecedented chaos, resulting in at least 51 fatalities and over 1,300 injuries. The unrest began earlier in the week, ignited by young demonstrators seeking to challenge government corruption and outdated leadership. By Thursday, the capital was gripped by fear, with flames still engulfing the Hilton hotel and significant government structures reduced to ruins.
The city, typically vibrant with life, was eerily quiet as the aftermath of the violence unfolded. Soldiers patrolled the streets, their weapons drawn, as residents navigated a series of checkpoints. The atmosphere was thick with tension and uncertainty, a stark contrast to Kathmandu’s usual energy.
In a swift turn of events, former chief justice Sushila Karki was appointed as Nepal’s interim prime minister on Friday, marking a historic moment as she became the first woman to hold this position. Her immediate responsibility is to organize fresh elections for the lower house of parliament by March 2024. Karki’s selection came amid negotiations between the military and the young protesters, who had been advocating for a new direction for Nepal’s governance.
Many critical government institutions, including the Supreme Court and various ministry buildings, have been severely damaged. The violence also claimed victims among political figures, with a former prime minister and his wife attacked, and another former prime minister’s spouse suffering severe injuries. Lance Corporal Ramesh Tamang, stationed outside the Hilton, expressed disbelief at the unfolding chaos, stating he had not slept in four days as he battled the blazes.
Protests began in response to a government ban on social media platforms but escalated rapidly into a broader movement against entrenched leadership. The demonstrators, primarily from the Gen Z cohort, aimed to dismantle the political power held by a few leaders for over a decade. Tragically, what began as a call for reform turned into a bloodbath.
During a brief curfew reprieve on Thursday evening, mourners gathered outside the Maharajgunj Medical Campus to honor those who lost their lives in the violence. Candles lit up the pavement as relatives shared their grief. Graffiti on nearby walls reflected the anger of those affected, questioning police actions amid the turmoil.
Currently, the military appears to be the dominant force in Nepal, although its history does not include direct military rule. Many government officials are believed to be under military oversight, housed in various army barracks, raising questions about their safety and autonomy. General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the army chief, has met with protesters, an unusual move that reflects the shifting dynamics of power in the country.
As tensions continued to rise, students from the Nepali Congress party defied curfews to demand the public appearance of President Ram Chandra Poudel, who has remained out of sight since the violence began. His endorsement is crucial for any interim government, yet reports indicate he may not support Karki.
On Thursday evening, 8,000 soldiers arrived in Kathmandu from various districts, further heightening fears among residents. Nepal has a history marked by civil strife and tragedy, including the royal family massacre in 2001, leading to significant political changes. Now, with royalist groups also participating in the protests, the situation remains precarious.
As residents cautiously emerged during the curfew breaks, many took to cleaning the streets, expressing dismay at the destruction wrought by the protests. Young protesters like Swarnab Chowdhury, an 18-year-old student, lamented how their movement had spiraled into violence. “We wanted a revolution, but they burned down our own country,” he said, capturing the sentiment of disillusionment among many.
In the wake of the violence, Nepal stands at a crossroads, with a new leader poised to guide the nation through this tumultuous period. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of governance and stability in this Himalayan nation.
