A wave of violence has engulfed Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, following clashes between security forces and protesters advocating for political reform. The turmoil has resulted in at least 51 fatalities and over 1,300 injuries. Amid the chaos, the city is left grappling with a power vacuum, as the prime minister has resigned and the whereabouts of President Ram Chandra Poudel remain uncertain.
On Thursday, Kathmandu was a city transformed; the once-bustling streets were marked by destruction. The Hilton hotel continued to smolder, while government buildings stood as hollow shells, revealing their damaged interiors. Soldiers patrolled the city, maintaining checkpoints and ensuring curfews were enforced, their rifles ready at hand. The atmosphere was thick with fear and uncertainty, a stark contrast to the vibrant life that usually characterizes the capital.
In the wake of these events, former chief justice Sushila Karki was appointed as interim prime minister on Friday, marking a historic moment as she became the first woman to lead Nepal. Her immediate task is to organize fresh elections for the lower house of parliament by March 2024. This leadership shift follows negotiations between the army and the youthful protesters, known as the “Gen Z” movement, who have been vocal against widespread corruption and the political status quo.
As the situation unfolded, Kathmandu’s vital institutions—once symbols of governance—lay in ruins. Important documents and assets were reduced to ashes, and reports of violence included assaults on political figures. A former prime minister and his wife faced mob attacks, and another former prime minister’s spouse suffered severe burns, necessitating surgery.
Lance Corporal Ramesh Tamang, deployed to extinguish fires at the Hilton, expressed disbelief at the extent of the devastation. “I never imagined this,” he said, highlighting the intense pressure on emergency services as they struggled to combat the flames consuming the hotel.
The protests began earlier in the week as a response to a government ban on social media platforms but escalated into widespread violence. Outside the Maharajgunj Medical Campus, mourners gathered to honor the young victims, lighting candles and expressing their grief in the shadow of recent events. Fresh graffiti near the hospital demanded accountability for the violence, with messages like, “What to do with police who murder?”
Currently, the military appears to be the primary force maintaining order in the country. Although it has not historically engaged in direct governance, sources indicate that many political leaders are being held in army barracks, raising concerns about their safety and autonomy. General Ashok Raj Sigdel has been engaging with the protesters, with some claiming that he is supportive of Karki’s leadership.
As tensions remain high, a group of students from the Nepali Congress party defied curfews to call for the president’s public appearance, chanting, “Make our president public.” Their demands reflect a growing frustration with the military’s involvement and a desire for transparency in governance.
On Thursday evening, the arrival of 8,000 soldiers from various districts added to the atmosphere of unease, as residents navigated the aftermath of violence and arson. The streets were filled with both fear and the determination of the Gen Z protesters, who sought to restore order and dignity to their movement.
Many young activists, disillusioned by the escalation into violence, took to the streets during a temporary suspension of the curfew, cleaning up the debris left from the chaos. “We wanted a revolution, but they burned down our own country,” lamented Swarnab Chowdhury, an 18-year-old student. His reflections encapsulated the disappointment felt by many in the movement, who had hoped for a peaceful transition towards a more accountable government.
The ongoing turmoil in Nepal serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of political stability. As the nation confronts its recent history of civil strife and leadership crises, the unfolding situation in Kathmandu will continue to draw attention both locally and internationally. The path ahead remains uncertain, but the call for change resonates deeply among a generation eager for a brighter future.
