Nepal Protesters Propose Ex-Chief Justice As Interim Leader Amid Deadly Unrest

Nepal has been shaken by violent protests led primarily by Generation Z activists, resulting in the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and widespread destruction, including fires at government buildings and the parliament. The protests erupted after the government abruptly banned major social media platforms, which was seen as an attempt to silence dissent, and were fueled by frustrations over corruption, unemployment, and political unaccountability. In the wake of the turmoil, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, Nepal's first female chief justice, has emerged as the leading candidate to become interim leader, backed by many protest leaders and representatives of the youth movement. Although Karki has accepted the proposal to lead the interim government, efforts are underway to find a constitutional way to formalize her appointment, with ongoing discussions involving the president and military leadership. The protests left at least 31 to 34 people dead, over 1,000 injured, and prompted a military-imposed curfew to restore order, while some protesters continue to debate the choice of interim leader and call for constitutional reforms rather than dissolution. Meanwhile, authorities have condemned criminal acts during the unrest and vowed to prosecute offenders, as young volunteers have begun cleanup efforts amidst the curfew.