Kathmandu, September 10: The Nepal Army on Wednesday announced the continuation of the nationwide curfew and the imposition of prohibitory orders in response to escalating unrest driven by Gen Z-led protests across the country.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations and Information, the Army said the prohibitory orders will remain in effect until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, after which a nationwide curfew will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, Bhadra 26 (September 11). Further decisions will be made based on the evolving security situation.
The Army expressed appreciation for public cooperation in maintaining order and offered condolences for the loss of life and property during the protests. It also warned that “lawless individuals and groups” had infiltrated the movement, engaging in criminal activities including arson, looting, violent assaults, and attempted rape.
“The Nepal Army expresses its gratitude to all citizens for their continued support in fulfilling their responsibility to maintain peace and security in the country in the current difficult situation. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and property during the protests, everyone is requested to cooperate in efforts to control criminal activities,” the release said.
The statement added, “As various lawless individuals and groups are still infiltrating and committing acts of vandalism and arson, looting, violent attacks on individuals, and attempted rape in the name of the movement, keeping in mind the overall peace and security situation in the country, the curfew currently imposed will continue throughout the country until 5 p.m. (1700 hrs) on Bhadra 25, 2082, and thereafter, the curfew order will continue until 6 a.m. (0600 hrs) on Bhadra 26 tomorrow. Further information will be disseminated based on analysis of the situation.”
Two days after violence broke out, President Ram Chandra Paudel is expected to meet protesting citizens to seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue. The call for talks came after the President accepted the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Amid ongoing grievances, Nepal faces a severe jobs crisis, with nearly 5,000 young people leaving the country daily for work abroad, further fueling unrest. According to The Himalayan Times, the President urged all sides to remain calm, prevent further harm, and resolve the crisis through negotiation.
The protests, which began on September 8 in Kathmandu and other major cities including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, were triggered by a government ban on major social media platforms citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns. Protesters demand an end to institutionalized corruption, greater government accountability and transparency, and the revocation of the social media ban, viewing it as an attempt to suppress free speech.
As tensions escalated, clashes with security forces resulted in at least 19 deaths and 500 injuries. Curfews were imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to control the situation.
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