Nepal Deploys Army to Guard Parliament After Deadly Anti-Graft Protests

Kathmandu — Nepal plunged into political and social crisis on Wednesday as armed soldiers guarded the national parliament and a strict curfew emptied the streets of Kathmandu. The unrest, sparked by days of anti-corruption protests, led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and left at least 19 people dead.

The government imposed an indefinite curfew after violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces erupted across the capital. The protests, largely driven by youth anger over corruption and a lack of economic opportunity, represent the most severe political turmoil Nepal has faced in decades.

Parliament Set Ablaze

Scenes of destruction gripped the capital as protesters set fire to multiple government buildings on Tuesday, including the national parliament. Army firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the flames in the main hall, while the charred exterior of the building bore testimony to the intensity of public outrage.

Burnt vehicles and twisted metal debris lined the roads near key government installations. Among the victims was Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, who reportedly died after her residence was set on fire by rioters.

Army Takes Control, Airport Shut

With law enforcement overwhelmed, the Nepal Army was deployed to restore order. Spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said the military’s priority was to “protect the life and property of people” and “normalise the situation.” Armoured vehicles patrolled silent streets, shops remained shut, and commercial activity came to a halt.

Kathmandu’s international airport was temporarily closed until 6 p.m. local time, disrupting domestic and international flights.

Origins of the Unrest

The protests initially gained momentum after the government imposed a controversial ban on social media platforms last week. Though the ban was lifted following public backlash, tensions escalated rapidly, culminating in the fatal violence on Monday when security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.

Observers say the unrest reflects deep-seated frustration with persistent corruption, youth unemployment, and political instability. With millions of Nepalis forced to work abroad—primarily in construction jobs in Malaysia, the Gulf, and South Korea—the anger over economic stagnation has intensified.

Call for Talks and New Elections

Efforts to de-escalate the crisis are underway. The army announced that prohibitory orders would remain in effect until Thursday morning and confirmed that talks between authorities and protest representatives were being explored.

Former Supreme Court judge Balaram KC called on protesters to form a negotiation team and proposed the formation of a caretaker government followed by new elections.

“Parliament should be dissolved,” KC told Reuters, “and fresh elections held to restore public trust.”

Regional Concern

The crisis has drawn concern from neighboring India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi posting on X (formerly Twitter) late Tuesday.

“Nepal’s stability, peace, and prosperity are of utmost importance,” Modi wrote. “I humbly appeal to all my brothers and sisters in Nepal to maintain peace and order.”

Nepal has faced repeated cycles of political upheaval since the abolition of its monarchy in 2008. Wedged between India and China, the Himalayan nation remains geopolitically sensitive and economically fragile.

Read more: Modi, Xi Pledge to Improve Ties Amid U.S. Tariffs, Border Tensions

As of now, Kathmandu remains under curfew, and the nation awaits further developments that may define its political future.