'Not part of talks but facilitating truce between protesters & govt': Nepali Army to Firstpost

The Nepali Army is not part of talks between the government and protesters, but it is facilitating talks to resolve the current crisis, Firstpost can report.

In an exclusive interview, a Nepali Army spokesperson told Firstpost on Wednesday that talks to resolve the crisis have started and that while the Army is not a party to talks as it is a political matter, it is facilitating these talks.

Earlier in the day, President Ram Chandra Paudel called upon protesters to shun violence and engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis.

“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,” said Paudel in a statement.

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The plea followed Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation on Tuesday amid nationwide violence in which mobs torched all the branches of the government in Kathmandu and attacked government buildings, homes of politicians, and offices of political parties across the country.

“We are not part of the talks but we are trying to facilitate the talks so that we can peacefully resolve the situation,” said the army spokesperson.

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Putting to rest the speculation whether the Army would take over the administration, the spokesperson said that the Army “will abide by the democratic political process” in the resolution of the situation that has already begun.

‘We were compelled to intervene to mitigate lawlessness’

The Nepali Army intervened in the crisis to mitigate the lawlessness that had gripped the country, according to the spokesperson.

“We were compelled to intervene only to mitigate the unexpected escalation of violence and lawlessness by employing careful and considered measures to prevent further escalation,” the spokesperson said.

Referring to the violence, the spokesperson said that there has been arson, looting, and vandalism, in Kathmandu and historic buildings have been burnt.

The spokesperson further said, “The situation in and around Kathmandu is getting under control and we are trying to maintain peace and law and order to protect the lives of the people. We are trying to normalise the situation so that people can access services freely.”

‘Anarchists have infiltrated protests’: Nepali Army on violence

In a statement on Wednesday, the Nepali Army said that “anarchist groups and persons” have infiltrated ongoing protests in the country and engaged in criminal activities like looting, vandalism, and attempted rape.

After nationwide violence throughout Tuesday, the Nepali Army took over law enforcement duties in the evening. The Army also announced a curfew from 5 pm Wednesday to 6 am Thursday.

The Army said, “During the prohibitory and curfew orders, vehicles providing essential services such as ambulances, hearses, fire trucks, and those for health workers and security personnel will be allowed to operate. All concerned parties are requested to coordinate with nearby security personnel for necessary assistance.”

So far, more than 20 people have been arrested, including five persons who looted a bank branch, according to The Himalayan Times.