Nepal deploys army amid worsening protest violence

The Nepalese army was deployed to the streets of Kathmandu today (10 September) in a bid to restore order after days of escalating unrest, during which tens of thousands of demonstrators torched government buildings and targeted political figures.

Armed troops patrolled major areas of the capital, enforcing a stay-at-home order and curfew while inspecting vehicles and questioning pedestrians. Their presence marked a shift toward stability after days of turmoil.

The military, which is rarely called upon in such situations, had initially remained in its barracks while police struggled to contain the protests. In a statement issued late Tuesday, the army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and reported the arrest of 27 suspected looters.

On Wednesday, soldiers fired warning shots as inmates at Kathmandu's central prison overpowered guards, set fire to buildings, and attempted a mass escape. The military successfully prevented the breakout and relocated the prisoners. No injuries were reported.

Violence peaked Tuesday as protesters set fire to government facilities and the homes of political leaders, prompting the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. His resignation did little to ease public anger, and large crowds continued to block roads and overrun government premises. Military helicopters evacuated several ministers to safety.

The protests also caused security forces to abandon posts in various cities, allowing hundreds of prisoners to flee from detention centers.

Protests sparked by social media ban escalate

The unrest began Monday with demonstrations led by youth outraged over the government's sudden ban on social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Police responded with live fire, killing 19 people, which further inflamed public anger. Although the ban was lifted on Tuesday, protests continued, fueled by allegations of political corruption and the fatal police response.

President Ram Chandra Poudel, the ceremonial head of state, urged demonstrators to resolve the crisis peacefully and confirmed acceptance of Oli's resignation. Oli has been asked to head a caretaker administration, although his current location remains unclear.

Dubbed the "Gen Z protests," the movement initially began over digital censorship but quickly broadened to include grievances over political privilege and economic disparity. Youth unemployment in Nepal remains high, with World Bank data from last year estimating it at around 20%. The government believes more than 2,000 young people leave the country daily to find work abroad, primarily in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Politicians and institutions under attack

Footage circulating on social media showed protesters assaulting former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. Both sustained injuries, with videos showing bystanders helping them to safety. The Nepali Congress, Nepal's largest political party, is part of the ruling coalition.

By Wednesday, smoke still rose from key government buildings, including the parliament, the presidential residence, the prime minister's official residence, and the central secretariat. The headquarters of Kantipur Publications, the country's leading media house, was also torched. Several car showrooms were burned, and damaged vehicles lined the streets.

In addition to the 19 confirmed deaths, many others were injured. Prime Minister Oli has ordered an investigation into the use of lethal force and promised compensation to the victims' families.

Controversial social media law at the heart of protests

The violence comes amid the government's push for new legislation aimed at regulating social media platforms. Officials argue the law would ensure platforms are accountable and properly managed. However, critics, including rights groups, claim the bill would stifle free speech and silence dissent.

Under the proposed law, social media companies must register locally and appoint a point of contact within Nepal. Around two dozen platforms were ordered to comply, and those that failed were blocked. As of now, platforms like TikTok, Viber, and a few others that completed registration remain accessible.