Military Patrols in Kathmandu as Violent Protests Leave 29 Dead

Facing the most severe unrest in decades, Nepal’s capital Kathmandu has seen the deployment of the military on city streets. Parliament and key government buildings are under tight security, and the Nepal Army has issued a stern warning against violence.

Protests that began against corruption and nepotism escalated into violent clashes on Tuesday. Lawmakers’ homes and government buildings across the capital and other districts were vandalized and set on fire, including the Parliament building itself. The situation became so extreme that the Prime Minister resigned. From Monday to Wednesday, at least 29 people were killed in the violence.

The Gen-Z-led protest groups claim that opportunists have “hijacked” the main movement. Amid the curfew, some young volunteers have stepped in for cleanup efforts. Fourteen-year-old Sang Lama said, “Corruption has been a long-standing problem. Now is the time for national change.”

To control the situation in the capital, troops have been patrolling since Wednesday. Although the airport has reopened, the curfew remains in effect. The military has announced that those involved in looting and violence will face strict punishment. So far, 27 people have been arrested, and 31 firearms have been seized.

Young protesters maintain that their movement was and still is nonviolent. However, many were shocked by the vandalism and arson. Organizer Prabhat Paudel said, “Burning national assets, like the Supreme Court, is completely unacceptable.”

Student leaders stated that a list demanding political and governance reforms is being prepared and will soon be handed over to the new leadership.