Nepal unrest: Army arrests 26 for looting, violence; airport shut, protest leader issues video message

The Gen Z protests in Nepal reached a showdown yesterday after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President Ram Chandra Poudel resigned, coupled with the torching of key buildings in the capital city of Kathmandu, including the Parliament.

Protests began on Monday with demands that the government lift a ban on social media and tackle corruption, with police trying to crush the rallies, resulting in the deaths of many young protesters.

The Army has taken over the law and order situation of the country, urging young protesters to choose dialogue over violence. “It is the shared duty of all to normalise the current difficult situation and safeguard the supreme interests of the nation. I therefore request the suspension of protest programs and urge parties to take the path of dialogue,” General Ashok Raj Sigdel said.

Amid escalating violence from the ongoing anti-government Gen Z protests and a worsening security situation in Nepal, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport has been shut down for commercial flight operations, resulting in widespread flight cancellations.

Yesterday, Indian airlines IndiGo and Air India have suspended their services to and from Kathmandu, citing the airport closure and the deteriorating security conditions in the capital.

Army arrests 26 over looting

On Wednesday, the Nepali Army announced the arrest of 26 individuals accused of involvement in looting and vandalism during the ongoing youth-led protests. The arrests were made as part of a special security operation aimed at controlling the unrest.

Officials reportedly said that the arrests were made in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur districts. Five people were arrested for looting a bank in New Baneshwor, while 21 others were apprehended in connection with violent incidents in the Bouddha area.

Protesters to hold talks with Army

The Gen Z protesters will hold talks with the Army on Wednesday in the presence of President Ram Chandra Paudel.

General Sidgel held late-night discussions on Tuesday with representatives of the protesting Gen Z groups to understand their demands. According to participants, he invited the representatives to Army Headquarters at midnight for talks.

Today’s talks will focus on key issues, including the formation of a civilian government, the dissolution of parliament, and the conduct of new elections. The protesting youth have been calling for an end to political party rule and the creation of a civilian-led administration.

Meanwhile, Sudan Gurung, seen as a key figure behind the movement, thanked supporters on social media for standing with the cause.