KATHMANDU: Nepal’s army has resumed talks with protest leaders to select an interim head of government following days of violent unrest that led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, according to an army spokesperson.
Calm has tentatively returned to the streets of Kathmandu, where soldiers continued to patrol for a second straight day on Thursday. The heavy military presence follows Nepal’s most intense protests in decades, sparked by a now-revoked social media ban. The decision to restrict online platforms earlier this week triggered nationwide outrage, culminating in deadly demonstrations that left at least 31 people dead.
In a televised statement, President Ramchandra Paudel expressed concern over the ongoing crisis and appealed for restraint and unity.
“I am consulting and making every effort to find a way out of the current difficult situation in the country within the constitutional framework,” Paudel said. “I appeal to all parties to be confident that a solution to the problem is being sought as soon as possible to address the demands of the protesting citizens.”
He further urged the public to “practice restraint and cooperate to maintain peace and order.”
Army Pushes for Interim Government
Army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet told Reuters on Thursday that “initial talks are on and would continue today,” referring to discussions with protest groups to identify a consensus candidate for an interim government. “We are trying to normalise the situation slowly,” he added.
Reporting from Kathmandu, Pakistan News Beat Rob McBride said the capital remained under an “uneasy calm,” with crowds still gathering around military headquarters before being dispersed by soldiers. “There is an uneasy standoff at times because things are still extremely tense,” McBride said.
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki Emerges as Frontrunner
Among the potential interim leaders, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki the first woman to hold the post when she was appointed in 2016 has emerged as the frontrunner. Protest leaders have widely endorsed her as a symbol of integrity and justice.
“We see Sushila Karki for who she truly is honest, fearless, and unshaken,” said Sujit Kumar Jha, 34, a supporter of the movement. “She’s the right choice. When truth speaks, it sounds like Karki.”
At 73, Karki has reportedly given her consent to lead an interim government, though legal experts and officials are working to identify a constitutional route to formalize her appointment, sources told Reuters.
However, not all protest factions are unified in support of her. One source noted disagreements persist among demonstrators over her candidacy, despite general admiration for her record.
Kathmandu’s popular mayor, Balen Shah an independent figure with strong youth support and several others have voiced backing for Karki. Still, deep divisions within both the protest movement and mainstream political parties have left Nepal’s political future uncertain.
Protest Leaders Kept at a Distance
Many young activists, who led the demonstrations but are now sidelined from formal talks, are watching developments with skepticism.
“Nothing is looking clear. We were together during the peaceful protest, but the situation has changed after we dispersed,” said KP Khanal, one of the lead organizers.
Pakistan News Beat McBride echoed this concern, saying: “A lot of the groups that have led these protests don’t necessarily see eye to eye and work together. Some of them are in open conflict with each other, so it’s a difficult situation. But the military is trying to facilitate this dialogue to lead to an interim government.”
He added that the situation “could go either way at the moment,” with hopes pinned on a peaceful political resolution.
Curfew, Closures, and Casualties
Shops, schools, and colleges across Kathmandu and surrounding regions remained closed on Thursday. A nationwide curfew imposed Tuesday night was extended through Friday, though authorities eased restrictions for essential service providers and air travelers. The army stated late Wednesday that domestic and international passengers would be permitted to travel freely upon showing valid tickets.
The death toll from the protests has risen to 31, according to local media. The Forensic Medicine Department at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital confirmed preliminary identification of 25 of the deceased. The identities of six other including one woman are still being verified, Kathmandu Post reported.
“Gen Z” Protests Against Corruption and Unemployment
Dubbed the “Gen Z Protests,” the demonstrations were largely led by young people frustrated with corruption, economic stagnation, and lack of opportunity. What began as peaceful dissent quickly escalated into violent clashes.
In recent days, government buildings including the Supreme Court and the homes of ministers even former PM Oli’s private residence were torched. Businesses were also targeted, including hotels in Pokhara and the Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu.
Though the protests have subsided following Oli’s resignation, tensions remain high. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Nepal can stabilize through dialogue and inclusive political transition, or whether it will face further unrest.
Source: Pakistan News Beat Agency
