Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel on Tuesday appealed to citizens participating in the ongoing Gen Z movement to pursue dialogue and peace, as the country grapples with unrest following Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation.
In an official statement, President Paudel stressed that with Oli’s resignation already accepted, “the nation must focus on resolving the crisis without further bloodshed or destruction.” He urged all parties to “remain calm, prevent further harm, and come to the table for talks,” adding that in a democracy, citizen demands should be addressed through negotiation.
The appeal comes after days of violent demonstrations outside the Federal Parliament, where security forces opened fire on protesters, leaving at least 19 dead and hundreds injured. Demonstrators also stormed key government buildings, including Parliament and the Office of the President at Shital Niwas.
The Nepali Army had earlier called on citizens, particularly the youth, to exercise restraint and safeguard the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
Meanwhile, the District Administration Office in Dang imposed a curfew in major market areas after protests turned violent. Chief District Officer Bishwa Prakash Aryal said the measure was taken following arson and vandalism of public and private property. The curfew bans gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, and sit-ins to restore order.
The unrest began on September 8 in Kathmandu and spread to Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj after the government announced a ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Authorities cited tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns, but citizens denounced the move as an attack on free speech.
Protesters are demanding the revocation of the ban, along with calls for an end to corruption, favouritism, and greater transparency in governance.
Over the past two days, the demonstrations have escalated sharply, leaving 19 dead and more than 500 injured across Kathmandu and other cities.
Amid the unrest, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued an advisory, urging Indian nationals to defer travel to Nepal until the situation stabilises. Emergency helplines and an email contact have also been made available for Indian citizens requiring assistance.
-ANI