Protesters clean up Nepal streets after deadly unrest

Young protesters in Nepal who forced the resignation of prime minister KP Sharma Oli this week have turned to cleaning Kathmandu's streets after days of violent unrest left the capital littered with debris.

- SHWETA SHARMA

Armed with brooms, bags and dustbins, the protesters - mostly from Gen Z - were seen sweeping the city's pavements, collecting debris, and repainting walls near government buildings that were torched.

Videos circulating on social media show young volunteers repairing broken tiles and clearing litter from public spaces. Protesters were also seen returning items such as refrigerators, microwaves and fans looted by some of the demonstrators.

At least 51 people were killed and more than 1,300 were injured in the nationwide protests that erupted earlier this week after the government tried to shut down popular social media platforms, causing deep anger over corruption and unemployment to boil over.

Among those killed were 21 protesters, nine prisoners, three police personnel and 18 others, police spokesperson Binod Ghim said yesterday.