
New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI): Former Indian diplomat Sukh Deo Muni on Tuesday described Nepal’s situation as “one of anarchy” as the nation reels under violent protests against the government.
Speaking with ANI, Muni, referring to the resignation of Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli, said the government has collapsed and suggested that Oli has already left or is preparing to leave the country.
“The situation is one of anarchy at the moment. But I understand that Oli has already left the country, or he’s about to leave the country for Dubai, and the whole government has collapsed. What I’m worried about is the acts like burning of the parliament, and why should anybody be doing that kind of thing?” Muni said.
He added that Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, is being considered for an interim leadership role after Oli’s ouster.
“I also heard that Balen Shah is being asked to join the interim management and to hold elections. Balen Shah has an independent image, and he has been raising his voice against corruption and inefficiency for a long time. So though his name is linked to Shah, which is the ruling family there, I hope that he is not a royalist to that extent, and he probably would try to put things together. But it’s a major challenge; it’s not an easy way out. I think even for Balen, it may not be easy,” Muni said.
The Gen Z demonstrations escalated sharply on Tuesday, forcing Prime Minister KP Oli to resign, while protesters torched several government buildings, including the parliament and the President’s Office in Kathmandu.
Meanwhile, Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel on Tuesday appealed to protesting citizens to pursue a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Gen Z movement through dialogue, The Himalayan Times reported.
President Paudel stressed that with Oli’s resignation already accepted, the nation must focus on resolving the crisis without further bloodshed or destruction.
“I urge all sides to remain calm, prevent further harm to the nation, and come to the table for talks. In a democracy, the demands raised by citizens can be addressed through dialogue and negotiation,” he said in an official statement.
At least 19 deaths and more than 500 injuries have been reported in clashes around the Federal Parliament and other parts of Kathmandu.
The protests, which began on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, erupted after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns. (ANI)