Nepal Lifts Curfew After Protests Kill 51, Appoint Interim PM

Nepalese authorities have lifted the curfew in Kathmandu and surrounding areas as calm returned following widespread protests that killed at least 51 people and led to the collapse of the government. The unrest began over a social media ban but escalated into broader grievances, with tens of thousands of protesters attacking government buildings, including the parliament and presidential residence. Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim prime minister, becoming Nepal's first woman to hold the post, and parliament was dissolved with new elections scheduled for March 5. Karki, known for her anti-corruption stance, pledged to work for the country's welfare and visited injured protesters soon after taking office. The army took control of the streets following the resignation of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, and negotiations among protesters, the army, and the president led to the interim government formation. Despite the curfew lift and easing of restrictions, political divisions and social tensions remain, leaving Nepal's future uncertain.