News Desk: The Nepal Army has assumed control of national security from 10pm on Tuesday, following days of anti-government protests that forced prime minister KP Sharma Oli to step down, The Economic Times reports.
The decision came hours after protesters stormed and set fire to key government buildings, including the parliament, the Singha Durbar complex, the Supreme Court, political party offices, and homes of senior leaders.
The report said the demonstrations, led by the youth-driven “Gen Z” movement, intensified across multiple districts despite curfews and heavy police deployment. At least 19 people were killed in police action on Monday, with scores injured and dozens arrested during clashes.
Earlier, the Army said in a statement the move was aimed at ending the chaos that has gripped the country.
It added that protesters had been taking advantage of the crisis to vandalise, loot and set fire to public and private property. “If such activities continue, the Nepal Army together with all security agencies is committed to taking control of the situation,” the statement read.
The Army announced steps would be implemented, but did not specify how.
“We call on all citizens to cooperate with the Army in this effort. The situation will be assessed and further updates will be provided,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel has appealed to protesters to engage in dialogue.
In a video message released on social media, he said the troops were committed to protecting national unity and territorial integrity.
He noted that the protests have already caused significant loss of life and property. To prevent further violence, he urged the protesters to exercise restraint.
“Maintaining law and order, ensuring national unity, and preventing damage to life and property are our shared responsibilities,” he said.
Describing the situation as “uneasy,” he called for calm while expressing condolences to the families of those killed in the ongoing protests.
