Nepal army takes charge of security amidst protests, announces nationwide curfew after 5 pm

Kathmandu: The Nepali Army has taken control of national security operations following Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation on Tuesday evening amid intensifying youth-led protests across the country. The military officially assumed security responsibilities from 10 p.m. on Tuesday, launching a special operation to curb escalating unrest.

Armed soldiers patrolled the streets of Nepal’s capital on Wednesday, ordering residents to stay indoors. Troops armed with rifles were stationed at key intersections and government sites throughout Kathmandu, offering a sense of stability after the city had descended into chaos. The military presence appeared to mark a turning point after police forces failed to contain the unrest, prompting the rarely mobilised Nepali Army to step in.

Further, the Army announced a curfew which will remain in effect until 5 pm on Wednesday, after which a nationwide curfew will be enforced until 6 am on Thursday, citing threats to public safety, The Kathmandu Post reported.

As part of the crackdown, the Army on Wednesday announced the arrest of 26 individuals accused of looting and vandalism. Among them, five were taken into custody for allegedly looting a bank in New Baneshwor, while 21 others were apprehended in connection with violent incidents in the Bouddha area of Kathmandu and parts of Bhaktapur district.

In a statement, the Nepali Army said that criminal groups had “hijacked the peaceful movement” by engaging in looting, arson, and other unlawful acts. It urged citizens to remain alert and cooperate with security forces in maintaining law and order.

Amid a surge of misinformation circulating on social media, authorities also cautioned the public against spreading unverified or exaggerated claims, stressing the importance of relying on credible sources.

Army chief seeks peaceful resolution

In a rare national address released via video on Tuesday evening, Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel appealed for calm and urged all parties, particularly the youth, to seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

“We are fully committed to discharging our constitutional responsibility of safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, geographical integrity, national unity, and the security of the Nepali people,” said General Sigdel.

“We sincerely appeal to all, especially the youth, to play a constructive role in maintaining social harmony, peace, and national unity during these difficult circumstances.”

The Army Chief expressed regret over the loss of life and the destruction witnessed during the protests, extended condolences to the families of those who were killed, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, Khabarhub reported.

The intervention by the military comes amid a deepening political crisis. In addition to Prime Minister Oli, several key ministers—including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari, Youth and Sports Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary, and Water Minister Pradeep Yadav—have also tendered their resignations in recent days.

With political leadership in flux, the Nepalese Army has indicated it will continue to oversee the security situation to stabilise the country.

(With AP inputs)