Troops patrol streets as Gen Z wants Chief Justice Karki as interim leader

VIOLENCE-HIT NATION RETURNS TO NORMALCY

- MPOST BUREAU

KATHMANDU/ NEW DELHI: Nepal remained under tight military curbs on Wednesday as soldiers patrolled deserted streets to deter further violence, a day after Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned following deadly protests, even as the youth-led Gen Z movement began weighing names such as former chief justice Sushila Karki, Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah and ex-electricity board chief Kulman Ghising to head an interim government.

The Nepal Army, which assumed security control late Tuesday following widespread arson and attacks on political establishments, said its priority was to prevent further unrest "under the guise of agitation." A nationwide restrictive order and curfew were imposed, lasting until 6 am Thursday. Streets in Kathmandu, normally crowded with commuters, traders and tourists, were nearly empty. Residents were told to remain indoors, while soldiers stationed at key intersections instructed people to return home.

The previous day, mobs had torched several government offices, party headquarters, and residences of senior leaders. Security officials confirmed no fresh incidents of violence on Wednesday. "The measures were taken to ensure there are no further cases of looting, arson or attacks on property," the Army said in a statement. It warned that violations of the curfew would be dealt with as criminal acts.

With the situation appearing to stabilise, the youth-led Gen Z protest movement held discussions on forming an interim authority.