Nepali Military Restores Order Amid Deadly Nationwide Unrest

Nepal has descended into its worst unrest in two decades following mass protests against a government ban on social media and corruption, which escalated into widespread violence including the burning of parliament and other government buildings. The protests, led largely by Gen Z, resulted in at least 19 deaths and forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign, creating a constitutional and administrative vacuum. In response, the Nepal Army has taken control of security in Kathmandu, patrolling the streets, imposing prohibitory orders and curfews, and warning that vandalism and violence will be punished. The military and President Ram Chandra Poudel have called for restraint and peaceful dialogue to resolve the crisis, while the United Nations Secretary-General has urged avoiding further escalation. The capital city is slowly returning to normalcy with key infrastructure like the airport reopening, but the situation remains tense amid ongoing efforts to restore stability. The unrest marks a significant turning point in Nepal's fragile democratic experience.