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

Nepal has deployed soldiers to guard its parliament and patrol the streets of Kathmandu after two days of violent protests left at least 19 people dead and dozens more injured. The protests, the most intense the Himalayan nation has seen in years, erupted after a controversial government decision to impose a ban on social media platforms, which was quickly reversed but had already sparked widespread anger.

Demonstrators clashed with police outside key government buildings, setting vehicles and property ablaze. Protesters stormed the parliament complex, torching parts of the building, while other mobs attacked the Supreme Court, several ministerial residences, and Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s private home. Firefighters have since battled flames inside the parliament’s main hall, where damage remains visible.

The violence forced the government to declare a curfew in Kathmandu, bringing the bustling capital to a standstill. Armored vehicles now patrol the streets, shops remain closed, and major transportation routes are disrupted. Kathmandu’s international airport was also shut down for several hours as a precautionary measure.Prime Minister Oli, facing mounting criticism, has resigned from his post, further deepening Nepal’s political crisis. The military, now acting as the stabilizing force, has appealed to protest leaders to engage in dialogue rather than escalate unrest. Senior constitutional experts and former justices have called for the formation of a caretaker government and the announcement of fresh elections to restore stability.

Nepal, which transitioned from monarchy to republic in 2008, has struggled with chronic political instability, corruption scandals, and economic stagnation. The latest protests reflect a deep frustration, especially among young people, who make up a large portion of the demonstrators. Many young Nepalese, disillusioned by limited job opportunities, have sought employment abroad, leaving behind a generation increasingly alienated from domestic politics.

What began as outrage over digital restrictions has now evolved into a wider anti-government uprising, underscoring long-standing grievances with governance, corruption, and lack of accountability. With soldiers guarding parliament and public anger still simmering, Nepal faces an uncertain path forward, caught between demands for reform and the urgent need to restore order.