Nepal's army has deployed patrols on the streets of Kathmandu, as the Himalayan nation reels from its worst unrest in decades.
Fierce protests against corruption and nepotism spiraled further on Tuesday into arson and violence. The prime minister resigned as politicians' homes were vandalized, government buildings were set ablaze, and parliament was stormed and torched.
But the Gen Z groups spearheading the protests have distanced themselves from the destruction, saying the movement has been hijacked by opportunist infiltrators. On Wednesday, the streets of the capital Kathmandu appeared calm, but smoke was still rising from burning buildings, and charred vehicles lay on roads.
Nationwide curfews are in place until Thursday morning, the army has said, warning of punishment for anyone involved in violence and vandalism. Twenty-seven people have been arrested for their involvement in violence and lootings, and 31 firearms have been found.
The military is attempting to control a volatile situation, with PM KP Sharma Oli's resignation leaving a leadership vacuum. His government's abortive attempt to ban social media triggered the demonstrations that saw 19 protesters killed in clashes with police on Monday.
Those deaths - which have since risen to more than 20 - only fueled the unrest on Tuesday. Scenes of violence and vandalism have come to illustrate the visceral intensity of the anti-government demonstrations. However, many protesters are concerned that the movement has been co-opted by infiltrators. Tuesday's protest organized by Nepal's Generation Z was conducted with a clear vision: to demand accountability, transparency, and an end to corruption.
Our movement was and remains non-violent and rooted in the principles of peaceful civic engagement, read a statement issued by protesters. The authors of the statement said they were actively volunteering on the ground to responsibly manage the situation, safeguard citizens, and protect public property.
On Tuesday, protests continued unabated, with demonstrators targeting locations like the headquarters of the Nepali Congress Party and various government buildings. Following his resignation, PM Oli stated his decision aimed to facilitate a political solution to the unrest. With no clear successor in sight, the future leadership of Nepal remains uncertain, amid widespread calls for accountability and reform.
