Nepal Gen Z Protest Updates: Oli cabinet to 'continue until new government is formed’, says Paudel; Army vows to protect citizens

Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel has pledged the army’s full commitment to protecting citizens amid the ongoing unrest. Offering condolences to families who lost loved ones, he underlined the army’s duty to safeguard people, national property, and diplomatic missions.

“The army will fulfil its responsibility of protecting the people, national assets, and diplomatic establishments,” Sigdel said.

He urged protesters to seek a peaceful resolution, adding that the nation’s safety and supreme interests must take precedence. “Activities should be conducted responsibly, leaving behind a legacy of unity and patriotism,” he noted.

At least 572 inmates fled Jaleshwar prison in Mahottari on Tuesday evening after protesters and prisoners together broke through the facility’s wall.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Heramba Sharma said the incident occurred around 7 pm when more than 500 protesters armed with crowbars clashed with police, while prisoners used kitchen tools to aid the breakout, Khabarhub reported.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has accepted Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation but clarified that his cabinet will “continue to run the government until a new Council of Ministers is formed.”

The President’s Office, while approving Oli’s exit, said the current cabinet will function under Article 77 (3) of the Constitution until a new one takes charge.

President Ram Chandra Poudel called for calm, saying the country is facing a “difficult situation.”

He urged everyone, including Gen Z protesters, to work together for a peaceful resolution.

“As Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation has already been accepted, there is a need for cooperation of all sides who love the country, people and democracy, to find a solution to the current stalemate,” he said.

The Nepali Army on Tuesday issued a public appeal asking citizens to remain calm, maintain social harmony, and protect national unity amid ongoing unrest linked to the Janajati movement.

In its statement, the Army expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and offered condolences to affected families.

“This movement has caused irreversible harm and deep sorrow to the people, and it is with a heavy heart that we extend our condolences to the bereaved families. We express heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with them. At the same time, we wish for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the statement said.

Protesters in Kathmandu have set fire to a building housing Nepal’s largest media house, Kantipur Publications, The Hindu reports.

The building includes The Kathmandu Post along with other offices and enterprises.

The Kathmandu Post website was not accessible at the time this report was published.

Protesters set fire to building of Kantipur Publications

Protesters on Tuesday torched a building in Kathmandu that houses Nepal’s largest media house, as Gen-Z-led anti-corruption demonstrations continued for a second day.

The building includes Kantipur Publications, publisher of Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post, along with other offices and enterprises.

In an appeal letter, Nepal’s Gen Z protesters, who have been leading demonstrations against the government, said the administration has been brought to its knees and urged demonstrators to remain calm and avoid damaging public property.

“This country has come under our leadership. There is no damage to public property. Let’s move forward with patience and patience,” the Gen Zers said.

The letter noted that KP Sharma Oli has resigned as Prime Minister, creating an opportunity for a new political solution.

“Our minimum stance is to form a civilian government led by a universally acceptable person and go for new elections. Through this, we can create a Nepal with a secure future for ourselves. Only the unity of all of us will lay the foundation for new change,” the letter added.

Amid ongoing Gen-Z protests in Nepal, Uttarakhand Police on Tuesday stepped up security along the Indo-Nepal border, the Chief Minister’s Office said.

Pithoragarh Police, together with SSB personnel, are carrying out regular patrols and combing operations along the Kali River and other sensitive border areas.

The Nepali Army and heads of other security agencies on Tuesday issued a joint appeal, asking protesters to show restraint and resolve the crisis peacefully.

“As the Prime Minister’s resignation has already been accepted by the president, we call on everyone to restrain themselves and prevent further loss of life and property,” the statement said.

The agencies also urged all parties to seek a solution through political dialogue.

Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah on Tuesday appealed to Gen-Z demonstrators to exercise restraint following Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation.

In a Facebook post, Shah reminded protesters that public and private property belongs to all citizens and urged them to prevent further loss of life and damage.

“Please remain calm. The loss of national resources is our collective loss,” he wrote. “It is now necessary for all of us to show restraint. From here onwards, it is your generation that must lead the country.”

Protesters set Nepal Parliament building on fire in viral video | Watch

The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a new advisory urging Indian citizens to avoid travelling to Nepal until the situation stabilises. Those already in the country have been advised to stay indoors, avoid public areas, and follow instructions from local authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

The Embassy has also shared emergency helpline numbers for assistance: +977–9808602881 and +977–9810326134

Nepal’s Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was chased and beaten by protesters on the streets as the Oli government collapsed. The violence comes a day after the social media ban was lifted, sparking nationwide unrest.

Gen-Z protesters have taken former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, into their custody, The Indian Express reported.

The protesters stormed the Deubas’ residence in Kathmandu’s Budanilkantha, and allegedly assaulted the couple. Videos from the scene showed Deuba bleeding from the side of his face, and the house was vandalised.

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has urged all Indian citizens in Nepal to note the following numbers for assistance in emergencies:

+977-9808602881

+977-9810326134

Protesters were celebrating as the private residence of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bhaktapur was torched. Oli resigned earlier today amid nationwide demonstrations against the government.

Gen-Z protesters set Nepal Supreme Court building on fire amid escalating unrest, following the resignation of KP Sharma Oli.

In his resignation letter to the President, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli cited the unusual circumstances in the country.

“Considering the unusual circumstances currently prevailing in the country, despite being appointed Prime Minister on Ashadh 31, 2081 Bikram Samvat, in accordance with Article 76 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal, for further initiatives towards a constitutional political solution and problem-solving, I have resigned from the post of Prime Minister, effective from today, in accordance with Article 77 (1) (a) of the Constitution,” his statement reads.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday appealed for peace in the state’s northern districts bordering Nepal, as violent protests in the neighbouring country forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.

Speaking at Kolkata airport before heading to north Bengal for an administrative visit, Banerjee urged residents of Siliguri, Kalimpong, and surrounding areas to “maintain peace and avoid activities that could create tension.”