Ex-CJ Karki Leads Interim PM's Race, Army Restores Calm

Armed soldiers patrolled empty streets and guarded key buildings in Nepal's capital on Wednesday, enforcing a strict curfew amid uneasy calm following days of violent anti-corruption protests that forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ New Delhi

Hopes are rising for a political resolution as youth protest leaders signal readiness for talks, even as nearly 700 air passengers, including Indian pilgrims, remain stranded at the Kathmandu airport that reopened in the evening.

The Nepal Army, now effectively in control of security, said the situation remained tense but "under watch," and extended a nationwide curfew until at least 6 a.m. Thursday. "Infiltrators under the guise of protests have committed arson, looting, and violent attacks. We are committed to restoring peace and protecting lives," said Army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet.