Nepal's Political Crisis Deepens as Protest Deaths Mount
The death toll from violent protests in Nepal has climbed to 51, with at least 21 demonstrators among the fatalities, as the South Asian nation grapples with its most severe political crisis in years. The Gen-Z led protests, which erupted earlier this week, have transformed from initial outrage over social media restrictions into a broader movement against systemic corruption and government accountability.
Violent Confrontations in Kathmandu
In the capital city of Kathmandu, intense clashes between protesters and riot police have resulted in multiple casualties. Demonstrators from the Gen-Z protest movement were killed when police opened fire on crowds. The protests began as a response to the government's ban on social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram, but quickly evolved into demands for political reform and anti-corruption measures.
'The Gen-Z protest movement wants former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. She is strongly opposed to corruption, but she has not yet been officially appointed,' explained South Asia correspondent Devi Boerema.
Government Buildings Targeted
Protesters set fire to several government buildings, including the parliament building in Kathmandu and the Prime Minister's residence. In western Nepal, hundreds of detainees escaped from prison amid the chaos. The deadly protests led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Tuesday, who subsequently fled the country. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
Social Media Ban Lifted Amid Ongoing Unrest
The controversial social media ban that initially sparked the demonstrations has been revoked, but the unrest continues. The movement has expanded its demands beyond digital freedom to include comprehensive political reforms and accountability for corruption. According to Wikipedia, the protests were fueled by public anger over the display of wealth by political elites' families while average Nepalis earn only $1,400 annually.
The army has taken control of security operations in major cities, while protesters fear that any constitutional changes they achieve might later be overturned by the Supreme Court, potentially leading to another crisis.