Nepal Army steps in; Protesters bank on Sushila Karki

The Nepal Army stepped in on Wednesday to restore law and order in the Himalayan state following violent protests that resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and dismantling of the existing political class.

Army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel appealed to protesters to come forward for dialogue. In a televised address to the nation, he said, "We appeal to the protesting group to halt protest programmes and come forward for dialogue for a peaceful way out for the nation."

The Army said in the name of the movement unruly groups carried out attacks on individuals and properties and attempted sexual assaults.


Troops additionally secured Singh Durbar, the main government secretariat, after protesters set it on fire. Soldiers also stepped in when demonstrators tried to vandalise the gate of the Pashupatinath Temple.

Meanwhile, the protesters chose former chief justice Sushila Karki as their leader to represent them in upcoming talks, sources said. Karki was Nepal's first female chief justice from 2016 to 2017 and was suspended after an impeachment motion accused her of bias. Karki said she is ready to assume the role. "The Gen Z group led the recent movement in Nepal and trusted me to lead the government for a short period," she added.

"Our immediate focus will be on the young people who lost their lives during demonstrations," she said.

The protesters released a declaration demanding sweeping political reforms, including the dissolution of Parliament, fresh elections and a new constitutional framework.

It is imperative for India to establish communication with emerging players in Nepal in keeping with realities, a source said, adding, New Delhi must adopt a nimble-footed approach, replicating its model in Sri Lanka.