UPDATE: Kathmandu is engulfed in chaos as violence erupts following protests against government corruption, leaving at least 51 people dead and over 1,300 injured. The situation escalated earlier this week, with clashes between security forces and demonstrators turning deadly.
As of this morning, the capital is a shadow of its vibrant self, with the Hilton hotel still ablaze and government buildings reduced to charred ruins. Residents are gripped by fear, navigating through checkpoints manned by soldiers, their weapons ready. The once-bustling streets of Kathmandu are eerily silent, punctuated only by the sound of breaking glass and the distant echoes of mourning.
In a dramatic twist, former chief justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s interim prime minister on October 12, 2023, becoming the first woman to lead the nation. Karki is tasked with organizing fresh elections for the lower house of parliament by March 2024. This comes after the prime minister’s resignation and the disappearance of President Ram Chandra Poudel, raising concerns about the stability of the government.
Violence erupted during protests that began on Monday, initially sparked by a government ban on social media platforms. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into a bloodbath, leaving the country in turmoil. Outside the Maharajgunj Medical Campus, mourners gathered to pay tribute to the dead, lighting candles and displaying portraits of the victims.
“
We wanted a revolution, but they burned down our own country
,” lamented Swarnab Chowdhury, an 18-year-old student. This sentiment echoes the frustration of many young protesters who sought change but are now witnessing their city crumble around them.
As the military assumes a significant role in the governance of Nepal, with General Ashok Raj Sigdel meeting with protesters, the future remains uncertain. Many citizens are questioning whether the military’s involvement is to protect or control the political leaders.
Despite a brief respite in the curfew allowing residents to purchase essentials, the air remains thick with tension and smoke from the fires that devastated parts of Kathmandu. Streets littered with ash and debris serve as a stark reminder of the violence that unfolded.
On Thursday, a surge of 8,000 soldiers from across Nepal arrived in the capital, further escalating fears among residents. Amidst the unrest, some students took to the streets to clean up, determined to reclaim their message from the chaos. They are adamant that the destructive actions of a few do not represent their movement.
As the situation continues to develop, all eyes are on the interim government led by Karki to navigate through this unprecedented crisis. The world watches closely, as the future of Nepal hangs in the balance.
Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking story as it unfolds.
