Nepal army calls for restraint amid protests; army chief to provide update on latest events
The army said it is analysing the developments of the movement and emphasised the military's continued commitment to safeguarding Nepal's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and the lives and property of its citizens.
The Nepali army has issued a public appeal urging citizens, particularly the youth, to remain calm and exercise restraint amid the ongoing Gen Z-led protests across the country, reports BBC Nepali.
In an official statement from the Directorate of Public Relations and Information, the army said, "Considering the current situation, it is our shared responsibility to prevent further escalation, preserve social harmony, and maintain national unity."
The army said it is analysing the developments of the movement and emphasised the military's continued commitment to safeguarding Nepal's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and the lives and property of its citizens.
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Meanwhile, Chief of the Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel is set to inform the nation about the developments following the Gen Z protests.
Citing sources at the army, Nepali news outlet Setopati reported that he will also appeal to all citizens to maintain peace and security.
The army's appeal comes amid escalating demonstrations by Gen Z youths as reports indicate that fires and vandalism have' occurred at Singha Durbar, the federal parliament, the Supreme Court, the Special Court, district courts, office of the Attorney General, land revenue offices, businesses, hotels, and the homes and offices of top political leaders.
Nepal's prime minister KP Sharma Oli, whose own house was set on fire, resigned today as protests against a short-lived ban on social media grew increasingly violent and expanded into broader criticism of his government and accusations of corruption among the country's political elite.
Demonstrations led by young people angry about the blocking of several social media sites gripped the country's capital a day earlier, and police opened fired on the crowds, killing 19 people.
The ban was lifted today, but the protests continued, with demonstrators setting fire to the homes of some of Nepal's top leaders and the parliament building. The airport in the capital of Katmandu was shut, and army helicopters ferried some ministers to safe places.
